Which one is correct?
"I must confess that I did" or "I must confess that I've done it"?

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I must confess that I did

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It is used when referring to a specific past action without emphasizing its connection to the present.

This phrase is used when you want to confess to a particular action you did in the past. The simple past tense 'I did' is used to state the action without highlighting its relevance to the present.

Examples:

  • I must confess that I did break the vase, but it was an accident.
  • I must confess that I did lie to you, and I'm sorry.
  • I must confess that I did forget your birthday, and I feel terrible about it.
  • I must confess that I did cheat on the test, and I regret it.
  • I must confess that I did steal the money, but I will return it.

Alternatives:

  • I must confess that I have done
  • I have to admit that I did
  • I need to confess that I did
  • I should confess that I did
  • I feel compelled to confess that I did

I must confess that I've done it

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It indicates a past action that has relevance to the present moment.

This phrase is used when you want to confess to having done something in the past that has a connection to the present. The present perfect tense 'I've done it' emphasizes the relevance of the action to the current situation.

Examples:

  • I must confess that I've done it, and I regret it deeply.
  • I must confess that I've done it before, but I won't do it again.
  • I must confess that I've done it many times, and I'm not proud of it.
  • I must confess that I've done it recently, and I feel guilty about it.
  • I must confess that I've done it in the past, and it still haunts me.

Alternatives:

  • I must confess that I have done it
  • I have to admit that I've done it
  • I need to confess that I've done it
  • I should confess that I've done it
  • I feel compelled to confess that I've done it
Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "I must confess that I've done it" is used when referring to a past action that has relevance to the present moment, while "I must confess that I did" is used when talking about a specific past action without emphasizing its connection to the present.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

Related Comparisons

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