should admit that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should admit that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that someone ought to acknowledge or confess a particular truth or fact. Example: "In light of the evidence presented, he should admit that he was wrong about the outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I don't know whether I should admit that!

BBC

We should admit that".

The Guardian

I should admit that it didn't start so neatly.

The Washington Post

Everybody should admit that tax cuts are off the table, period.

The New York Times

Professors should admit that "the world is wider than literature departments.

The New Yorker

Even his sharpest critics, if they force themselves to think of him objectively, should admit that.

The New Yorker

Though I should admit that vast numbers of music fans disagree with me.

The Guardian - Music

We should admit that our accession to W.T.O. will bring to us advantages and disadvantages.

The New York Times

And we ought to — all of us who supported it should — admit that".

The New York Times

Straight-out and without a lot of qualifiers, I should admit that I am not a careful person.

The New York Times - Magazine

Before I continue I should admit that I've been guilty of being involved in producing similar figures in the past.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should admit that", ensure the context makes it clear why the admission is necessary or beneficial. Providing supporting evidence or logical reasoning strengthens the impact of the suggestion.

Common error

Avoid using "should admit that" in contexts that sound accusatory or overly critical, as it can damage relationships and hinder cooperation. Instead, focus on presenting facts and allowing others to draw their own conclusions. In scenarios where directness is needed, phrases such as "must concede that" are better.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should admit that" functions as a modal phrase used to express a suggestion or recommendation that someone acknowledge or concede a particular fact. This can range from a gentle nudge to a stronger implication of obligation. According to Ludwig AI, it’s grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should admit that" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to suggest or recommend acknowledgment of a fact or truth. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile, appearing most frequently in news and media, but also in scientific and formal business contexts. While generally neutral in register, the tone can vary based on context, making it important to consider your audience and purpose. To avoid overuse or sounding accusatory, consider using alternatives like "ought to acknowledge that" or "must concede that".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to acknowledge that

Indicates a moral duty or correctness in acknowledging something, carrying a stronger sense of obligation.

must concede that

Emphasizes the necessity to acknowledge something, often against one's initial inclination.

need to recognize that

Highlights the importance of acknowledging a fact, shifting focus to necessity.

have to acknowledge that

Presents the acknowledgement as unavoidable or required by circumstances.

it's important to acknowledge that

Directly states the significance of acknowledging something, emphasizing its value.

it would be wise to acknowledge that

Suggests prudence in admitting something, framing it as a strategic decision.

it's advisable to confess that

Recommends admitting something, using 'confess' which implies acknowledging a fault or wrongdoing.

it's time to recognize that

Indicates that the moment has arrived to acknowledge something, stressing the timeliness.

they should come clean about

Emphasizes honesty and full disclosure, suggesting something previously hidden is being revealed.

it's time someone 'fessed up

An informal way to suggest someone needs to admit to something, often implying blame or responsibility.

FAQs

What does "should admit that" mean?

The phrase "should admit that" implies that it is advisable, correct, or necessary for someone to acknowledge a particular fact or truth, often one that they may be reluctant to accept. It suggests a need for honesty or recognition of a situation.

How can I use "should admit that" in a sentence?

You can use "should admit that" to suggest someone acknowledge a fact. For example, "After reviewing the data, the company "should acknowledge that" their initial projections were too optimistic."

What are some alternatives to "should admit that"?

Alternatives include "ought to acknowledge that", "must concede that", or "need to recognize that". The best alternative depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

When is it appropriate to use "should admit that"?

It is appropriate to use "should admit that" when you believe someone is avoiding acknowledging a truth or fact and that acknowledging it would be beneficial or necessary. However, be mindful of the tone to avoid sounding accusatory or condescending.