make a confession

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a confession" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used in various situations, including personal or legal contexts, to describe the act of revealing a secret or admitting to something. Example: "The suspect finally decided to make a confession to the authorities, admitting his involvement in the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

May I make a confession?

The New York Times

Here I must make a confession.

The New York Times

I make a confession to Cacioppo.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And may I make a confession?

The New York Times

First, I must make a confession.

Yale University

But I had to make a confession.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Then he made a confession.

The New York Times - Sports

It felt as if he were making a confession.

The New York Times

Alec Baldwin made a confession on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on Wednesday.

The New York Times - Arts

Maybe you'd feel more comfortable making a confession?

The New Yorker

One day, just before winter break, three of the boys made a confession to their parents.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a confession", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being confessed. Providing specific details enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "make a confession" without specifying what the confession entails. A vague statement lacks substance and leaves the audience uninformed. Always provide the necessary details to make the confession meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a confession" functions as a verb phrase where "make" is the main verb and "a confession" is the direct object. This signifies the action of formally admitting something, often something one is ashamed of or has kept secret. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

23%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "make a confession" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of revealing previously hidden information, often of a sensitive or incriminating nature. With numerous examples found across diverse sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, as verified by Ludwig, this phrase showcases common usage in contexts spanning news, academia, and personal narratives. While primarily neutral in register, the gravity of a confession can add solemnity. For enhanced clarity, specify details when using this phrase to maximize impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confess to

Similar in meaning, but places emphasis on the act of admitting to something specific.

offer a confession

Focuses on the act of presenting or giving a confession.

provide a confession

Emphasizes the act of supplying or furnishing a confession.

deliver a confession

Highlights the act of formally giving a confession.

give a confession

A more direct and simple way to express the act of confessing.

come clean

An idiomatic expression that means to reveal the truth about something, especially something shameful.

own up to

This implies taking responsibility for something, often a mistake or wrongdoing.

admit guilt

Directly states the admission of being responsible for something.

reveal the truth

Focuses on the act of uncovering or disclosing what is factual.

disclose information

A broader term that refers to the act of making information known.

FAQs

How can I use "make a confession" in a sentence?

You can use "make a confession" to introduce an admission of guilt, a revelation of a secret, or the disclosure of something previously hidden. For example, "He decided to "make a confession" about his past mistakes".

What are some alternatives to "make a confession"?

Alternatives include "confess to", "admit guilt", "come clean", or "reveal the truth", depending on the context and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to "make a confession" or "give a confession"?

"Make a confession" and "give a confession" are largely interchangeable. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations, as they both convey the act of delivering a confession.

What's the difference between "make a confession" and "offer a confession"?

"Make a confession" implies the act of providing the confession, while "offer a confession" suggests a willingness or readiness to confess. The latter highlights the intent rather than the action itself.