i confess that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I confess that" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is commonly used to express a confession or admission. For example, "I confess that I made a mistake in my calculations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I confess that risotto is often my nemesis.

The New York Times

But I'm not, I confess, that bothered either way.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I confess that Haneke does not especially strike me that way either.

The Guardian - Film

I confess that I'm not.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, I confess that I'm puzzled.

The Economist

I confess that I like the genre.

The New Yorker

I confess that I do not know.

The Guardian - Money

I confess that I do not.

Independent

I confess that I have not.

The New York Times

I confess that I can't help myself.

The New York Times

I confess that I am not.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I confess that" to introduce a personal admission or revelation, adding a touch of formality and sincerity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "I confess that", as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Use synonyms or rephrase sentences to vary your style and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I confess that" functions as a declarative statement introducing a personal admission, revelation, or opinion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used to express a confession. Examples found in Ludwig demonstrate its use across diverse contexts, from admitting personal preferences to acknowledging mistakes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I confess that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a personal admission or opinion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and very commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, leaning toward informal, it adds a sincere and candid tone to writing. For formal contexts, consider alternatives like "I acknowledge that" for a more appropriate tone. Remember to use the phrase judiciously to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i admit that

Focuses on acknowledging a truth or fault, similar to a direct confession.

i acknowledge that

Emphasizes recognizing and accepting the validity or existence of something.

i concede that

Highlights reluctantly admitting something, often in an argument or discussion.

i must admit that

Adds a sense of obligation or compulsion to the admission.

i have to admit that

Similar to 'I must admit', but with a slightly less formal tone.

i will say that

Introduces an opinion or statement, often with a hint of surprise or reservation.

truth be told

Introduces a candid revelation, often implying something previously unsaid.

to be honest

Signals sincerity and openness, similar to revealing a personal truth.

in all honesty

Similar to 'to be honest' but with stronger emphasis on sincerity.

i'll be honest

A more casual way of saying 'to be honest', indicating a candid statement.

FAQs

How can I use "I confess that" in a sentence?

Use "I confess that" to introduce a personal admission or opinion. For example, "I confess that I was wrong about the outcome" or "I confess that I enjoy a good cup of coffee in the morning".

What are some alternatives to "I confess that"?

You can use alternatives like "I admit that", "I acknowledge that", or "to be honest" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

Is "I confess that" suitable for formal writing?

"I confess that" can be used in formal writing, but consider the tone and context. It adds a personal touch but might be too informal for highly technical or academic contexts. Phrases like "I acknowledge that" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "I confess that" and "I admit that"?

While both phrases indicate an admission, "I confess that" often carries a stronger connotation of revealing something potentially negative or personal, whereas "I admit that" is a more general acknowledgment.