cannot be conceded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be conceded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to express that something cannot be granted or accepted, often in discussions or debates. Example: "While I appreciate your perspective, I must assert that the point you raised cannot be conceded in this argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

even if we should concede that which cannot be conceded without the utmost wickedness, that there is no God, or that the affairs of men are of no concern to Him. (Prolegomena, 11).

Encyclopedia Britannica

He argued that a law deduced from man's inherent nature would have a degree of validity even if we should concede that which cannot be conceded without the utmost wickedness, that there is no God, or that the affairs of men are of no concern to Him. (Prolegomena, 11).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Then, in section eleven, he writes that "What we have been saying would have a degree of validity even if we should concede [etiamsi daremus] that which cannot be conceded without the utmost wickedness, that there is no God, or that the affairs of men are of no concern to him".

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The possibility of aging cannot even be conceded; when Ginsberg asks him, "What about when your body grows old and you can no longer attract your numbers?" he replies — "firmly" — that "it will never happen".

The New York Times - Books

The costs of empire are now everywhere visible in post-9/11 America, but cannot yet easily be conceded by the vast bulk of a political class (and an electorate) whose political memory is far shorter than the seven decades of American global leadership.

Huffington Post

If it is true that the ALI constitutes a synthetic index of the degree of competition which takes into account also the effect of increased sugar imports, and hence of the possible entry of new operators on the EU market, it should be conceded that it cannot adequately represent the many qualitative aspects which may determine actual competition within the EU sugar sector.

Agricultural and Food Economics

Therefore, it could be conceded that separate studies are required for each modified side weir and the results for the triangular side weir cannot be used as a modified triangular side weir discharge coefficient equation.

Applied Water Science

Several limitations of this study should be conceded.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Fourteen turnovers were conceded.

BBC

Crack initiation is conceded when the creep damage parameter Dc⩾1.

Acta Materialia

That point is conceded already.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be conceded" when you want to emphasize a point that is fundamentally non-negotiable or unacceptable within a discussion or argument. It adds a strong sense of conviction to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be conceded" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "can't be accepted" or "can't be allowed" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be conceded" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating that something is impossible or unacceptable to grant or admit. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is often used to express a firm and unyielding position in a debate or discussion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be conceded" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, employed to indicate a firm refusal to accept or grant a particular point. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's best suited for formal contexts like academic discussions, legal documents, or serious debates, where its strong and definitive tone is appropriate. While synonyms like "cannot be accepted" or "cannot be granted" exist, "cannot be conceded" carries a particular weight that makes it useful for establishing firm boundaries in argumentation. The phrase's register leans toward formal and scientific settings, reflecting its presence in encyclopedias, news media, and scientific publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be accepted

This alternative directly replaces "conceded" with "accepted", focusing on the idea of agreement or reception.

cannot be granted

Replaces "conceded" with "granted", emphasizing permission or authorization.

cannot be allowed

This alternative shifts the focus to permission, indicating something that is not permissible.

cannot be permitted

Similar to "cannot be allowed" but slightly more formal.

cannot be agreed upon

Focuses on the lack of consensus or mutual agreement.

cannot be validated

This alternative implies that something lacks sufficient proof or evidence to be confirmed.

cannot be justified

Indicates a lack of moral or logical support for something.

cannot be warranted

Suggests that something lacks sufficient reason or necessity.

cannot be sanctioned

Emphasizes the lack of official approval or authorization.

cannot be ratified

Indicates that something has not been formally approved or confirmed.

FAQs

What does "cannot be conceded" mean?

The phrase "cannot be conceded" means that something is impossible to grant, accept, or agree upon. It indicates a firm stance against a particular point or idea.

What are some synonyms for "cannot be conceded"?

Alternatives include "cannot be accepted", "cannot be granted", or "cannot be allowed", depending on the specific context.

How formal is the phrase "cannot be conceded"?

The phrase "cannot be conceded" is relatively formal. It is suitable for academic, professional, or formal writing but might sound out of place in casual conversations.

When is it appropriate to use "cannot be conceded"?

Use "cannot be conceded" when you want to strongly assert that a particular point or argument is unacceptable and non-negotiable, particularly in formal or serious discussions.