Grammar fix
admit mistake
confess error
to say that you have done something wrong or made a mistake, usually after first denying it or keeping it secret.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
After breaking the vase, she finally admitted her mistake.
In my opinion, it's important for leaders to admit their mistakes because it builds trust with their team.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: He admitted his mistake to do that.
Say: 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'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Admit (you) made a mistake' is the natural phrasing; 'confess that I committed an error' is heavy.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
admit a mistake
- a mistake
- you're wrong
- defeat
- freely