0
Coachpotato Posted 21 years ago
Grammar

confess

I think that the verb confess is usually followed by to+-ing:

He confessed to having forgotten my birthday.

But I have just seen this sentence:

The director confessed himself to be puzzled by the company's losses.

Could you tell me when confess is followed by to+-ing and when to+infinitive?

Thank you.
  

Top answer

Dear Coachpotato, It is my opinion that «to confess to doing something» is «admit to doing something» and that «to confess himself to be something» is «to describe himself as something». The construction depends therefore on the meaning you require. Kind regards, Goldmund

— Goldmund

  • Dear Coachpotato, It is my opinion that «to confess to doing something» is «admit to doing something» and that «to confess himself to be something» is «to describe himself as something».
  • The construction depends therefore on the meaning you require.
  • Kind regards, Goldmund
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

3 Answers
0
Dear Coachpotato,

It is my opinion that «to confess to doing something» is «admit to doing something» and that «to confess himself to be something» is «to describe himself as something». The construction depends therefore on the meaning you require.

Kind regards,
0
0
Hi,

You can also confess a 'thing'. eg

He confessed his sins. He confessed (his guilt).

He confessed that he loved her.

Best wishes, Clive
0
0
Thanks for your answers
0

Related Questions