i am guilty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I am guilty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when admitting to a wrongdoing or acknowledging responsibility for an offense. Example: "After much reflection, I have to say it openly: I am guilty of my mistakes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I am guilty, I am guilty.

The New Yorker

"I am guilty.

The New York Times - Magazine

I am guilty of this myself.

The New York Times

I know I am guilty on this.

Independent

I am guilty of it sometimes, too.

The New York Times

I am guilty of these habits myself.

The New York Times

I am guilty of that and more.

The New Yorker

I am guilty on all three charges.

The Guardian - Business

I am guilty of it myself.

The New York Times

(And, of this, I am guilty).

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In his final written statement , Moore admitted: "I am guilty".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "i am guilty" to express a personal feeling of culpability (e.g. "I am guilty of neglecting my friend") consider alternative phrases that convey nuances of remorse or regret more precisely.

Common error

Avoid using "i am guilty" in casual conversation where a simpler admission of error (e.g., "I messed up") would be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can sound overly dramatic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i am guilty" functions as a statement of admission or confession, indicating that the speaker acknowledges responsibility for a wrongdoing, crime, or mistake. Ludwig shows many example from News & Media and Academia.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "i am guilty" is a direct and declarative statement used to admit responsibility for a fault, wrongdoing, or crime. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and highly prevalent in written English, particularly within News & Media and Academia. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and choose the most appropriate expression of culpability. If "i am guilty" seems too strong, alternatives such as "i am responsible" or ""it's my fault"" may be more suitable. Conversely, in formal or legal settings, the intensity of "i am guilty" is often necessary and fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i am culpable

Replaces "guilty" with a more formal synonym, suggesting moral blameworthiness.

i am responsible

Indicates accountability for an action or outcome, without necessarily implying legal guilt.

i am accountable

Similar to "responsible", but emphasizes the obligation to answer for one's actions.

i confess

A direct admission of guilt, often used in a religious or legal context.

i did it

A simple and direct admission of having committed an action, often used informally.

i take the blame

Accepts responsibility for a negative outcome or mistake.

i am to blame

Places responsibility on oneself for a specific event or situation.

it's my fault

Expresses regret and acknowledges one's role in causing a problem.

i was wrong

Admits to having made an error in judgment or action.

mea culpa

A formal, often religious, expression of guilt and regret.

FAQs

How can I use "i am guilty" in a sentence?

You can use "i am guilty" to admit responsibility for a mistake or wrongdoing. For example, "I reviewed the evidence and I have to admit, "I am guilty" of making that error."

What are some alternatives to "i am guilty"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "I am responsible", "I take the blame", or "it's my fault".

Is it ever incorrect to say "i am guilty"?

While grammatically correct, using "i am guilty" may be inappropriate if you are not genuinely at fault or if a less formal admission would suffice. Consider the context and your true level of responsibility.

What's the difference between "i am guilty" and "i am responsible"?

""I am guilty"" implies a legal or moral transgression, whereas ""I am responsible"" simply means you accept accountability for something, without necessarily implying wrongdoing.