I grant that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I grant that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when acknowledging a point or concession in an argument or discussion. Example: "I grant that your perspective has merit, but I still believe my approach is more effective."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

I grant that estimates about jobs and revenue are uncertain.

The New York Times

These people do it because they are emotional freaks (O.K., I grant that) but also because they want to do good for the country.

The New York Times

I grant that there are concerns.

The New York Times

I grant that this is not so easily done.

The New York Times

I grant that the doctor's notes reveal one important change: today, the nanny would be arrested.

The New Yorker

While I grant that his death was not shocking, I am confused by Mr. Rich's sense of tragedy.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

I'll grant that is the essence of conservatism at its most literal.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Even if I grant you that, that is three schools out of 115 Division I powers.

The New York Times

That's a lot of "ifs," I grant you that.

TechCrunch

"The reality is that the border protection policies that we have are tough, I grant you that".

The Guardian

"It is a tough policy, I grant you that," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "I grant that" with a clear and concise statement of the point you are conceding.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "I grant that" in a short space. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and insincere. Instead, vary your sentence structure by using different concession phrases, such as "I concede that" or "I acknowledge that".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I grant that" functions as a concessive marker, indicating the speaker or writer acknowledges a point before proceeding with a contrasting or qualifying statement. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use in introducing admissions or points of agreement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I grant that" serves as a valuable phrase for acknowledging a point or conceding an argument, prior to introducing a contrasting perspective. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for neutral to slightly formal registers. Usage is particularly prevalent in news media, scientific discourse, and business communications. For alternatives, you might consider "I concede that" or "I acknowledge that" to avoid overuse and maintain reader engagement. This phrase adds nuance and credibility to writing by showing consideration of different viewpoints. Therefore, use "I grant that" when you want to introduce a point you recognize as valid, even when you plan to follow with a counter-argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I concede that

More formal alternative, implying a reluctant admission.

I acknowledge that

A more neutral term, indicating recognition without necessarily implying agreement.

I admit that

Suggests acknowledging something that one might otherwise deny or be unwilling to reveal.

It is true that

Affirms the truth of a statement, often to introduce a contrasting point.

While it's true that

Acknowledges a point while setting up a contrast or qualification.

To be sure

A more emphatic way of acknowledging a point before making a counter-argument.

I recognize that

Implies understanding and acceptance of a fact or situation.

I understand that

Indicates comprehension of a point, but not necessarily agreement or concession.

I appreciate that

Expresses gratitude for the other speaker's idea.

It cannot be denied that

Strongly acknowledges an undeniable fact or truth.

FAQs

What does "I grant that" mean?

"I grant that" means that you acknowledge or concede a point, often before presenting a contrasting argument or perspective. It's a way of recognizing the validity of someone else's viewpoint or a particular fact.

How can I use "I grant that" in a sentence?

You can use "I grant that" to introduce a concession or acknowledgement, like this: "I grant that the initial investment is high, but the long-term benefits outweigh the costs."

What are some alternatives to "I grant that"?

Alternatives to "I grant that" include phrases like "I concede that", "I acknowledge that", or "I admit that". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "I grant that" formal or informal?

"I grant that" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression. While appropriate in many contexts, more informal alternatives might be preferred in casual conversation.