accept that

USAGE SUMMARY

"accept that" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence to indicate that the following information or situation should be acknowledged and understood. Example: "I know it may be hard, but you need to accept that your relationship is over." This sentence suggests that the person being spoken to needs to come to terms with the fact that their relationship has ended.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Jim wouldn't accept that".

The New York Times

Does Europe accept that?

The Economist

We accept that caution.

The New York Times

Les won't accept that".

The New York Times - Sports

I won't accept that".

The New York Times - Sports

"I simply don't accept that".

The New York Times

I'm prepared to accept that".

The New York Times

People won't accept that anymore".

The New York Times

Ive didn't accept that description.

The New Yorker

I hope you'll accept that".

The New York Times - Arts

I accept that criticism".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "accept that", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being accepted. Be specific about the fact, situation, or outcome you are acknowledging.

Common error

Avoid using "accept that" interchangeably with phrases like "except that". "Accept that" means to acknowledge or agree to something, while "except that" introduces an exception or qualification. Using them incorrectly can change the meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accept that" functions as a verb phrase introducing a subordinate clause. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically correct. It signals the acknowledgment or agreement with a particular fact, situation, or statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "accept that" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression. It is employed to acknowledge a fact, situation, or statement, as highlighted by Ludwig. Its usage spans across various registers, although it is most frequently encountered in News & Media contexts. Alternatives such as "acknowledge that" or "admit that" can be used to convey similar meanings with subtle differences. Be mindful not to confuse it with "except that", which has a different meaning. Given its frequent use in varied contexts, mastering the proper application of "accept that" will significantly enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acknowledge that

Focuses more on recognizing the truth or existence of something.

recognize that

Similar to acknowledge, emphasizing the perception and understanding of a fact.

admit that

Implies acknowledging something, often reluctantly or against one's initial stance.

concede that

Suggests yielding or granting a point, often in an argument or debate.

realize that

Emphasizes becoming aware of something previously not known or understood.

understand that

Highlights comprehension and grasp of a particular concept or situation.

come to terms with that

Indicates a process of emotional adjustment and acceptance over time.

resign oneself to that

Suggests a passive acceptance of an undesirable or unavoidable situation.

swallow that pill

A more idiomatic expression for reluctantly accepting an unpleasant fact or situation.

live with that

Implies tolerating or enduring a situation, often without necessarily agreeing with it.

FAQs

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

You can use "accept that" to acknowledge a fact or situation, as in "I "accept that" I made a mistake" or "We have to "accept that" the project is delayed".

What are some alternatives to "accept that"?

Alternatives include "acknowledge that", "admit that", "recognize that", or "understand that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "accept to" instead of "accept that"?

No, "accept to" is not grammatically correct in this context. You should use "accept that" to introduce a clause expressing what is being accepted. "Accept to" may be correct in different sentence structures, but not as a substitute for "accept that".

What's the difference between "accept that" and "except that"?

"Accept that" means to acknowledge or agree with something. In contrast, "except that" introduces an exception or qualification to a statement. For example: "I like the plan, except that the budget is too high".