willingly admit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "willingly admit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is expressing a voluntary acknowledgment of a fact or truth, often in a context where they might not have to admit it. Example: "After much reflection, I am willing to admit that I was wrong about the decision we made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Few men would willingly admit that.

The Guardian

No wonder shoppers willingly admit to buying fakes.

The New York Times

"We willingly admit we were not expecting the foundation to treat a partner in this manner.

The New York Times

I frankly and willingly admit that to interrupt the writing of "Herzog" irritated me and possibly made me bearish.

The New Yorker

Many colleges willingly admit undocumented students or those covered by the deferred-action program, but still classify them as international students, who usually receive little financial aid.

The New York Times

The problem with the app, as its creators willingly admit, is that it isn't yet up to the task of decoding nuanced human communication.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Energy companies willingly admitted to "sweating their assets" to keep costs lower for consumers.

The Guardian

Others who would follow in his footsteps must learn from the mistakes he willingly admits he made.

The Washington Post

Touchingly, his fantasy seems to be as out of touch as full-priced CD's -- a notion he willingly admits.

The New York Times

"Who willingly admits to anything that could lead to a suspension of their licence?" one Asian captain asked in an interview with Reuters.

The Economist

In McSorley's entire history, in fact, the only woman customer ever willingly admitted was an addled old peddler called Mother Fresh-Roasted, who claimed her husband died from the bite of a lizard in Cuba during the Spanish-American War and who went from saloon to saloon on the lower East Side for a couple of generations hawking peanuts, which she carried in her apron.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "willingly admit" when you want to emphasize the voluntary nature of an admission, especially when the admission might be unexpected or against one's self-interest.

Common error

Avoid using "willingly admit" too frequently in formal writing, as it can sometimes sound informal or defensive. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "acknowledge" or "concede" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "willingly admit" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a voluntary acknowledgment or confession. It modifies a subject by describing their attitude towards admitting something. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically sound and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "willingly admit" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that indicates a voluntary and honest acknowledgment of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English writing. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with secondary usage in scientific and wiki sources. While generally neutral in tone, it can sometimes be informal. When writing, it's essential to consider the context and ensure that the voluntary nature of the admission is emphasized when using this phrase. Be mindful of overusing it in formal writing and consider neutral alternatives such as "acknowledge" or "concede" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

freely confess

Emphasizes the openness and lack of reservation in admitting something.

frankly acknowledge

Highlights the honesty and directness in admitting something.

readily acknowledge

Highlights the ease and promptness with which something is admitted.

readily concede

Highlights the act of surrendering or yielding to the truth of something.

openly concede

Suggests a public and unreserved admission, often in the face of opposition.

freely avow

Emphasizes the freedom and voluntariness in declaring something.

eagerly avow

Indicates enthusiasm and willingness in declaring or admitting something.

gladly own up to

Highlights a positive and cheerful attitude toward taking responsibility or admitting something.

unreservedly profess

Emphasizes the complete lack of hesitation or limitation in admitting something.

unhesitatingly declare

Suggests a firm and confident admission without any doubt.

FAQs

How can I use "willingly admit" in a sentence?

You can use "willingly admit" to express a voluntary acknowledgment of something, as in "I "willingly admit" that I was mistaken".

What can I say instead of "willingly admit"?

You can use alternatives like "freely confess", "readily acknowledge", or "openly concede" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "willingly admit" or "willing to admit"?

Both ""willingly admit"" and "willing to admit" are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Willingly admit" emphasizes the voluntary nature of the admission, while "willing to admit" simply indicates a readiness to admit something.

What's the difference between "willingly admit" and "reluctantly admit"?

"Willingly admit" implies a voluntary and perhaps even enthusiastic admission, whereas "reluctantly admit" suggests an admission made with hesitation or against one's will.