but I concede

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but I concede" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when acknowledging a point or argument made by someone else, often in a debate or discussion. Example: "I believe my argument is stronger, but I concede that you have valid points as well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

But I concede his point.

The New York Times

But I concede this hopeful line is getting tired.

The New Yorker

But I concede that it's an imperfect example, and I hereby retract it.

The New York Times

But I concede that they're filled with — I won't call it nostalgia, but I will call it yearning.

The New York Times - Magazine

I love John Dos Passos's novels, but I concede that Hippocrates or Francis Bacon are more "important".

The New Yorker

But I concede that there is often a gap between good intentions and effective execution.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

I was disappointed; I didn't want to go to dinner, I wanted to get straight to the fucking, but I conceded.

Vice

But now I concede that there is something interesting going on here, beyond the conscious plans of the space agencies.

The Guardian - Opinion

But today I concede that in darker moments, my faith is shaken.

Huffington Post

I am not sure they are, but if I concede the point, consider this: We see the soft underbelly of society, whether we are covering refugees or police courts.

Huffington Post

Tempting, I concede, but wholly impractical and counter-productive.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the tone and context. "But I concede" is suitable for relatively formal settings. For informal conversations, consider alternatives like "okay, I see your point".

Common error

Avoid using "but I concede" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and insincere. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "however, I acknowledge" or "yet, I admit".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but I concede" functions as a transitional phrase, indicating a shift in thought while acknowledging a previous point. Ludwig's examples illustrate its role in arguments, where the speaker recognizes the validity of an opposing view before continuing their own line of reasoning. It serves to add nuance and credibility to the speaker's position.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but I concede" serves as a valuable tool in expressing acknowledgment while maintaining a distinct viewpoint. According to Ludwig, this conjunction phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media contexts. It is suitable for professional or neutral communication and, therefore, users can enhance their writing credibility by wisely implementing this phrase in debates and discussions. To avoid redundancy, they may utilize synonyms. Overall, "but I concede" is a great approach for those seeking to build a strong communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, I acknowledge

Replaces "but" with "however" for a slightly more formal tone and uses "acknowledge" instead of "concede".

yet, I admit

Uses "yet" instead of "but" and "admit" in place of "concede", creating a slightly less formal tone.

on the other hand, I acknowledge

Similar to "however, I acknowledge", providing a balanced view with a formal tone.

still, I recognize

Substitutes "but" with "still" and "concede" with "recognize", offering a slightly different nuance of acceptance.

nonetheless, I grant

Replaces "but" with "nonetheless" for increased formality and uses "grant" instead of "concede".

even so, I allow

Uses "even so" as a contrast and "allow" which implies you are agreeing that something is true or can happen but you still have your opinion.

that being said, I accept

More verbose alternative, replacing "but" with a transitional phrase and "concede" with "accept".

in spite of that, I understand

Substitutes "but" with a longer contrasting phrase and "concede" with "understand", emphasizing comprehension.

despite this, I appreciate

Offers a contrasting conjunction and replaces "concede" with "appreciate", suggesting a valuing of the opposing viewpoint.

conversely, I see

Uses "conversely" to introduce a contrast and replaces "concede" with "see", indicating understanding or acknowledgement.

FAQs

How can I use "but I concede" in a sentence?

Use "but I concede" to acknowledge a valid point while still maintaining your argument. For example, "I believe my plan is more effective, but I concede that your approach has some merit".

What can I say instead of "but I concede"?

You can use alternatives like "however I acknowledge", "yet I admit", or "still I recognize" depending on the context.

Is "but I concede" formal or informal?

"But I concede" leans towards the formal side. While not overly stilted, alternatives like "I see your point, but..." might be more suitable for casual conversations.

What's the difference between "but I concede" and "but I admit"?

Both phrases acknowledge a point, but "but I admit" often implies acknowledging a fault or error on your own part, while "but I concede" generally acknowledges a valid point in an opposing argument without necessarily implying personal error.