acknowledge that the argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acknowledge that the argument" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone should recognize or accept the validity of a particular argument or point being made. Example: "In order to have a productive discussion, we must first acknowledge that the argument presented has merit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Fader and Bradlow acknowledge that the argument for data minimization is only just beginning.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Park acknowledged that the argument with her father kept her mind off trying to stave off Sorenstam and Han.

The New York Times - Sports

I've often defended those policies, and acknowledged that the argument against limiting author freedom applies more strongly to university policies than funder policies.

Harvard University

Angelo Presicci San Francisco, Feb. 9, 2009 • To the Editor: Owen West deserves kudos for acknowledging that the argument he and other members of the military used to oppose openly gay service in 1993 was "flawed".

The New York Times

Marsilius acknowledged that the argument is based on true premises, yet the conclusion should not be defended as true because it contradicts faith and therefore might cause confusion among believers.

SEP

They acknowledge that winning the argument may be difficult; after all, over the last six years, the United States stock market has risen 190percentt while those of the rest of the world, taken together, have climbed just 37percentt.

The New York Times

It was the closest he has come to acknowledging that his central argument for the invasion last year may never be proved true or false.

The New York Times

Trump did acknowledge that the root of his argument was that if Obama "had done things properly, you wouldn't have had Isis", but he repeated: "Therefore, he was the founder of Isis".

The Guardian

A "Right View" panelist put it more vividly: "Democrats reduced women to their vaginas!" I don't think that's true in the first place, though there's an argument that Democrats do acknowledge that's a thing that women have and use.

The Guardian - Opinion

Asians, however, were more likely to modify their own position, acknowledging that even the weaker arguments had some merit.

The New York Times - Science

But anyone who wishes to bring science into the argument must acknowledge that the evidence thus far is weak, especially when it is combined statistically, in the fashion of a meta-analysis.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, be specific about which part of the argument you are acknowledging. This avoids ambiguity and shows you've carefully considered the details.

Common error

Avoid simply stating you "acknowledge that the argument" without explaining why it holds some merit or what implications it has for your own position. Superficial acknowledgment can weaken your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acknowledge that the argument" functions as a discourse marker. It signals that the speaker or writer recognizes and understands a particular argument or point of view, often before presenting a counter-argument or alternative perspective. As Ludwig examples show, this acknowledgement adds credibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

30%

Science

23%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "acknowledge that the argument" is a versatile tool for demonstrating understanding and consideration of opposing viewpoints, enhancing your writing's fairness and objectivity. Ludwig's analysis indicates the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used across various authoritative sources, primarily in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While effective, avoid superficial use; engage substantively with the argument to strengthen your credibility. Alternatives include "recognize the argument" or "concede the point", each with subtle differences in nuance. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate this phrase into your writing to create well-reasoned and persuasive arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recognize the argument

Focuses on recognizing the validity or existence of the argument.

concede the point

Implies admitting the validity of a specific point within the argument.

admit the argument

Highlights the act of acknowledging the validity or truth of the argument, even if reluctantly.

grant that the argument is true

Emphasizes the act of formally acknowledging the truth or validity of the argument.

accept the premise of the argument

Focuses on accepting the underlying assumptions or basis of the argument.

understand the argument

Highlights comprehension and acknowledgment of the argument's meaning.

take the argument into consideration

Emphasizes the act of thoughtfully considering the argument's merits.

agree with the argument

Highlights alignment with the argument's conclusion or stance.

validate the argument

Emphasizes confirming the accuracy or soundness of the argument.

affirm the argument

Highlights the act of strongly supporting or confirming the argument.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "acknowledge that the argument" in a sentence?

Start by stating the opposing viewpoint clearly, then use "acknowledge that the argument" to show you understand its merits before presenting your counter-argument.

What are some alternatives to "acknowledge that the argument"?

You can use alternatives like "recognize the argument", "concede the point", or "admit the argument" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "acknowledge that the argument" or "agree with the argument"?

"Acknowledge that the argument" shows understanding, even if you don't fully agree. "Agree with the argument" indicates full alignment with the argument's conclusion.

How does "acknowledge that the argument" strengthen my writing?

Using "acknowledge that the argument" demonstrates fairness and objectivity, making your counter-arguments more persuasive by showing you've considered other viewpoints.