cede ground

USAGE SUMMARY

"cede ground" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to give up or relinquish a position or advantage. It is typically used in a figurative sense, to describe someone giving up their position or argument in a debate or conflict. Example: Despite the overwhelming evidence, the politician refused to cede ground and continued to defend his controversial policies.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It hurts to cede ground.

The New York Times

But Apple is hardly about to cede ground.

The New York Times - Tech

Hollywood was beginning to cede ground to television, but it was still influential.

Independent

Neither side wants to cede ground on issues that could bolster the other's electoral chances.

The Economist

In what world does ceasing to cede ground already too generously given translate into fanaticism?

The New York Times

The Schlecks are almost certain to cede ground to Evans, a superior time trialist.

The New York Times - Sports

The muddied oafs have been refusing to cede ground to the flannelled fools.

The Guardian - Sport

The Liberty (4-3) did not cede ground to Sacramento (3-7) afthatthat.

The New York Times - Sports

Few government officials want to cede ground now, especially as the running debate over financial reform redraws traditional battle lines.

The New York Times

But he acknowledged that there would likely be a "hard road ahead" because neither side is willing to cede ground.

The New York Times - Tech

The FT splashes with: "May warns cabinet sceptics to cede ground or face no-deal Brexit costs".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cede ground" to indicate a strategic retreat or compromise, where giving up some advantage is necessary for a greater goal or to avoid further losses.

Common error

Avoid using "cede ground" in literal physical contexts; it's primarily a figurative expression. For physical surrenders, use alternatives like "retreat" or "withdraw".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cede ground" is that of a verb phrase, often used as part of a larger sentence structure. As Ludwig AI suggests, it signifies the act of relinquishing a position or advantage. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

21%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Science

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cede ground" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies relinquishing a position or advantage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's employed in a figurative sense across various contexts, including news, academia, and formal business settings. While "cede ground" is versatile, it's best suited for describing strategic retreats or compromises. When writing, remember to use it in its figurative sense, and not in literal physical contexts where words like "retreat" would be more appropriate. Related phrases like "surrender ground" or "yield position" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surrender ground

This alternative more strongly emphasizes the act of giving up a position, often implying defeat.

relinquish territory

This alternative is more specific to physical spaces or areas of control.

give way

This alternative suggests a yielding under pressure or force.

yield position

This alternative specifically highlights the act of surrendering a particular rank or advantage.

concede defeat

This option implies acknowledging a loss after a struggle or contest.

back down

This alternative indicates a retreat from a previously held stance or demand.

withdraw claims

This alternative is more suited to situations involving disputes or assertions that are being retracted.

capitulate

This alternative suggests surrendering completely and unconditionally.

bow down

This alternative implies submission and reverence, often in a hierarchical context.

abandon stance

This alternative indicates leaving behind a held viewpoint.

FAQs

What does "cede ground" mean?

"Cede ground" means to give up a position or advantage, typically in a debate, negotiation, or competitive situation. It suggests a strategic retreat or compromise.

How can I use "cede ground" in a sentence?

You can use "cede ground" in sentences like: "The company had to "cede ground" to its competitors due to changing market conditions" or "The politician refused to "cede ground" on the issue, despite public pressure".

What are some alternatives to "cede ground"?

Alternatives to "cede ground" include "surrender ground", "relinquish territory", "give way", or "yield position" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "cede ground" or "stand your ground"?

Whether to "cede ground" or "stand your ground" depends on the situation. "Cede ground" implies a strategic decision to compromise, while "stand your ground" suggests a refusal to yield, even in the face of adversity. Consider the potential consequences of each action.