cannot deny that

USAGE SUMMARY

"cannot deny that" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is most commonly used to express agreement with a point or idea that has been brought up. For example: "He has done some great work this year - we cannot deny that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I cannot deny that.

The Guardian - Sport

"One cannot deny that".

The New York Times

We cannot deny that they are higher.

The New York Times

You cannot deny that tanking works, though.

The Guardian - Sport

You cannot deny that it affects everyone".

The New York Times

"I cannot deny that there is an inequality," he said.

The New York Times

I cannot deny that, I saw the match".

Independent

I cannot deny that the environment is changing.

The Guardian

"But we cannot deny that we need help.

The New York Times - Books

"I cannot deny that there are several clubs interested," said Claudio Vagheggi.

Independent

Ah Mr Ackroyd will say he cannot deny that other cultures feel the same way.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot deny that" to introduce a statement you agree with, especially when acknowledging a point that might be contrary to your initial expectation or argument. This can enhance your credibility by showing impartiality.

Common error

While "cannot deny that" is a useful phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "must concede that" or "it is undeniable that" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot deny that" functions as an acknowledgment marker. It introduces a statement that the speaker or writer concedes to be true, often despite potential reservations or prior beliefs. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to concede facts or realities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot deny that" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to acknowledge or concede a point, often to demonstrate impartiality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly news and media, science, and formal business settings. While it's a useful phrase, varying your language with synonyms is advisable to avoid repetition. Remember to use it when you want to concede a point while maintaining objectivity in your writing or speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is undeniable that

Highlights the incontrovertible nature of a fact.

it is evident that

Highlights the visibility and clarity of the fact.

it is irrefutable that

Stresses the impossibility of disproving a statement.

it is apparent that

Suggests that something is easily perceived or understood.

have to admit that

Suggests a reluctant acknowledgment, often against one's initial inclination.

I have to recognize that

Expresses a personal acknowledgment of something.

it is clear that

Indicates obviousness and ease of understanding.

one must acknowledge that

Emphasizes a formal recognition of a truth.

must concede that

Emphasizes an unwilling admission of a point.

it's plain to see that

Highlights obviousness and visual evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot deny that" in a sentence?

The phrase "cannot deny that" is used to acknowledge or concede a point, even if it's not something you initially agree with. For instance, "I cannot deny that the project faced challenges, but we still achieved our goals."

What are some alternatives to "cannot deny that"?

You can use alternatives like "must concede that", "have to admit that", or "it is undeniable that depending on the context".

Is it more appropriate to use "cannot deny that" or "cannot refute that"?

"Cannot deny that" and "cannot refute that" are similar, but "cannot refute that" implies a stronger challenge or argument that fails to disprove something. "Cannot deny that" simply acknowledges something as true. Choose "cannot refute that" if there's an attempt to disprove something.

What's the difference between "cannot deny that" and "cannot confirm that"?

"Cannot deny that" acknowledges the truth of something, while "cannot confirm that" suggests an inability to verify or validate something. They have opposite meanings; one admits truth, the other expresses uncertainty. For example, the phrase "cannot confirm that" is best used in situations where further proof/validation is needed.