admit mistake — confess error
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
to say that you have done something wrong or made a mistake, usually after first denying it or keeping it secret.
Say it like a native
Textbook I confess that I committed an error in the report.
Native I'll admit I made a mistake in the report.
'Admit (you) made a mistake' is the natural phrasing; 'confess that I committed an error' is heavy.
Pattern: admit (a/the/your) mistake
In use
- After breaking the vase, she finally admitted her mistake.daily life
- In my opinion, it's important for leaders to admit their mistakes because it builds trust with their team.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ He admitted his mistake to do that.
✓ He admitted it was a mistake to do that. / He admitted his mistake.
'Admit a mistake' or 'admit that...' — don't tack a to-infinitive onto 'admit his mistake'.
Common collocations
admit a mistake— a mistake, you're wrong, defeat, freely
Don't confuse it
Compare with 'deny a mistake' (refuse to say you made a mistake).