I have a confession to make vs I have to confess

Both sentences are correct and suitable for use in English. They are used to admit something, usually something that was previously hidden or kept secret. The choice between the two options depends on personal preference or the desired tone of the confession.

Explained by Vince
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: September 24, 2024 • 17586 views

I have a confession to make

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to introduce something that the speaker wants to admit or reveal.

This phrase is typically used to introduce a confession or admission of something, often something that was previously kept secret or hidden.

Examples:

I have a confession to make: I ate the last piece of cake.
She said, 'I have a confession to make: I haven't been completely honest with you.'
He began his speech with 'I have a confession to make.'
Do you have a confession to make?
The priest listened as the man said, 'I have a confession to make.'

Alternatives:

I need to confess something.
I must admit something.
I want to come clean about something.
I have something to confess.
I feel the need to confess.

I have to confess

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express the need or obligation to admit something.

This phrase is used to indicate the necessity or obligation to confess something, often implying that the speaker feels compelled to reveal something.

Examples:

I have to confess that I broke the vase.
She said, 'I have to confess: I haven't been completely honest with you.'
He looked at her and said, 'I have to confess something.'
Do you have to confess something?
The suspect finally said, 'I have to confess.'

Show examples from the web [+]

I have to confess, I'm a bit uneasy.
I have to confess this brush with brigandry has reinforced my commitment to your cause.
I have to confess that I fail to comprehend why a certain opening ceremony was held in Spain.
I have to confess that I do not fully grasp why requests for a reduction in these amounts were made.
I have to confess to vaguely false pretences.
You know I have to confess you were my only client who made a buck last week.
I'm really sorry, I have to confess I...
Mrs. White, please, I have to confess something.
I have to confess that it is all my fault.
I have to confess, I'm very honored by this nomination.
I have to confess, I've always been a little awkward around children.
I have to confess that I'm a little bit confused.
I have to confess that I've never let the children watch a hockey game.
Well, I have to confess, my eye did always go to you up on the screen.
I have to confess that I have never managed to keep a houseplant alive longer than three days.
Maybe it's not good police work, but I have to confess, I enjoyed it.
And I have to confess, Rebekah, this invitation, however cruel the delivery, had a certain kind of... appeal.
Maybe I'm dense, but I have to confess, I don't really know what you want from us.
I have to confess, I'm a little envious that you got to spend so much time with Ethan at the ranch.
I have to confess something, you know... it was all part of my own selfish plan.

Alternatives:

I need to make a confession.
I must confess something.
I want to confess something.
I feel the need to admit something.
I have something to confess.

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I have a confession to make vs I have to confess

I have a confession to make

I have to confess

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