he confesses that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he confesses that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is admitting or acknowledging something, often in a context where they reveal a truth or secret. Example: "In his latest interview, he confesses that he has struggled with anxiety for years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He confesses that he was hoping for the Atkins diet.

The New York Times

He confesses that he never wanted any children.

The New York Times - Books

He confesses that he had seen Dolly's new work and enjoyed it.

The New Yorker

But as disheartening as this reversal was, he confesses that it didn't exactly dumbfound him.

The New York Times - Books

And he confesses that he often sleeps with — or even in — her dress.

The New Yorker

He confesses that "both Jesus and Christ at points speak for me.

Independent

He confesses that he loves his wife, and had no cause to suspect her.

The Guardian - Books

In fact, he confesses that the universality of his experience "frightens" him.

The Washington Post

Confronted with a lifetime of experience, he confesses that his age "doesn't seem quite real.

The Guardian - Books

He confesses that, at various times, he has cheated at cards, even when he didn't need the money.

The New Yorker

He confesses that he also has been bored, so the two of them conspire to break away after dinner.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the context implies some level of reluctance or a sense of revealing something previously hidden. Avoid using it for straightforward statements of fact.

Common error

While "he confesses that" is grammatically correct, overusing it in formal writing can make the text sound melodramatic. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "he admits that" or "he acknowledges that" in professional documents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he confesses that" functions as a reporting clause, introducing a statement where a subject admits to something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he confesses that" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to introduce an admission or revelation. According to Ludwig AI, this construction is valid and frequent. While it is often found in news and media contexts, it's important to be mindful of the register and avoid overuse in formal writing. Alternatives like "he admits that" or "he acknowledges that" may be more suitable in professional settings. The phrase is useful for emphasizing a personal admission, especially when there's an element of reluctance or guilt involved. Remember to use it judiciously to maintain a clear and professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he admits that

Indicates a direct admission of a fact, often something previously concealed.

he acknowledges that

Implies recognition of something, though not necessarily an admission of wrongdoing.

he reveals that

Suggests the uncovering of information, often something previously unknown.

he discloses that

Indicates a formal or official revelation of information.

he concedes that

Implies reluctantly admitting something, often in an argument or debate.

he avows that

Suggests a confident and emphatic declaration.

he professes that

Indicates openly declaring a belief or feeling.

he owns up to

Means admitting responsibility for something, often a mistake or wrongdoing.

he comes clean about

Implies a full and honest admission, often after a period of concealment.

he comes out and says

Indicates a direct and unambiguous statement.

FAQs

How can I use "he confesses that" in a sentence?

You can use "he confesses that" to introduce a statement where someone admits something, often something they were reluctant to reveal. For example, "During the interview, "he confesses that" he had made mistakes in the past".

What are some alternatives to "he confesses that"?

Alternatives include phrases like "he admits that", "he acknowledges that", or "he reveals that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "he confesses that" and "he admits that"?

While both phrases indicate an admission, "he confesses that" often implies a stronger sense of guilt or reluctance compared to the more neutral ""he admits that"".

When is it appropriate to use "he confesses that" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "he confesses that" when you want to emphasize the personal admission of a fact, especially when the person might have had reasons to keep it hidden or feels some level of guilt or responsibility.