start admitting

USAGE SUMMARY

"start admitting" is correct and usable in written English.
Depending on the context, it can be used to suggest that someone should begin to accept something or accept responsibility for something. For example, "We need to start admitting the mistakes we have made in order to move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Let's stop calling them "looters" and start admitting that we're failing at distributing aid.

Independent

Nigel Farage is calling on the government to start admitting refugees fleeing the fighting in Syria into Britain.

The Guardian

The first female antislavery society, founded in 1832, was an all-black group in Salem, Mass., which would later start admitting white women into its ranks.

The New York Times

Nigel Farage, the leader of the UK Independence Party, has called on the Government to start admitting refugees fleeing the Syrian civil war into Britain.

Independent

Well, the zero lower bound is also a fact, and once you start admitting that demand matters, you'll find yourself inexorably arriving at liquidity-trap analysis.

The New York Times

One colourfully critical broadcaster in 1994 was banned from ever covering the tournament again.Last June Martha Burk, the president of the National Council of Women's Organisations, wrote to William Hootie Johnsonon, the club's president, urging him to start admitting women before the Masters.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"To be honest, I felt terrible at the start," admitted Thomas.

The Guardian - Sport

"NCR got an early start," admits Jagdish Mirani Jagdish Mirani, Oracle's senior director of data warehouse product marketing.

Forbes

"NCR got an early start," admits Jagdish Mirani, Oracle's senior director of data warehouse product marketing.

Forbes

"We had a nervy start," admitted Cushing, "but we showed great endeavour to stay in the game and then played some really good football in the second half to win it".

BBC

Boys Town started admitting girls in the 1970s, and the name was changed to Girls and Boys Town in 2000.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "start admitting" when you want to encourage someone to begin acknowledging a truth or reality they may have been avoiding. It implies a necessary shift in perspective or behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "admitting" alone when you want to emphasize the initiation of the act. "Start admitting" implies a process that is just beginning, while "admitting" refers to a completed act.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start admitting" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an action. Ludwig provides examples where it is used to encourage acknowledgment of a problem or reality. The phrase sets the expectation for an ongoing process rather than a one-time event.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Huffington Post

10%

Less common in

Wikipedia

3%

TechCrunch

3%

The Guardian - Sport

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "start admitting" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that signifies the commencement of acknowledging a truth or reality. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's frequently used in news and media, often to encourage recognition of issues or mistakes. It conveys a neutral to professional tone, emphasizing the importance of beginning an admission process. Alternatives like "begin to acknowledge" or "commence accepting" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin to acknowledge

Focuses on the initial action of recognition, similar to "start admitting" but emphasizes intellectual awareness.

commence accepting

Highlights the beginning of accepting something, shifting the focus from confession to acceptance.

initiate acknowledgment

Stresses a formal start to admitting, suitable for official or serious contexts.

own up to the truth

Emphasizes taking responsibility for a truthful admission, adding a layer of accountability.

come clean about

Implies a comprehensive and honest revelation, often used when concealing information.

begin to recognize

Highlights the cognitive process of understanding and accepting something, often an error or a problem.

start to confess

Specifically emphasizes the act of confessing something, often associated with wrongdoing.

face up to reality

Highlights accepting a difficult or unpleasant truth, focusing on realism.

begin to concede

Highlights reluctantly admitting something, typically in an argument or debate.

bite the bullet

Suggests accepting a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and resignation.

FAQs

How can I use "start admitting" in a sentence?

You can use "start admitting" to suggest the beginning of an acceptance of something previously denied or avoided. For example, "It's time we "start admitting" our mistakes and take responsibility."

What are some alternatives to saying "start admitting"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "begin to acknowledge", "commence accepting", or "initiate acknowledgment".

Is there a difference between "start admitting" and "admit"?

"Start admitting" suggests the beginning of a process, whereas "admit" implies a completed action. "Let's "start admitting" our errors" means we should begin to acknowledge them, while "Let's admit our errors" suggests we have already begun the process or are about to make a full confession.

When is it appropriate to use "start admitting" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "start admitting" when you want to emphasize the initial phase of acknowledging or accepting something, especially if there has been prior denial or resistance. It's suitable in both formal and informal contexts.