cede the floor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'cede the floor' is grammatically correct and widely used in written English.
It can be used in any situation in which one person indicates that another can now speak, usually during a formal meeting or debate. For example, "After hearing Bob's opinion, he ceded the floor to Mary and asked her to share her thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

But let us all cede the floor and bow down to Mike Meehall Wood, and this slice of magnificence.

The Guardian - Sport

On this point, I cede the floor to an eloquent reader, Peter Kehoe Dear Ms. Sullivann, Congratulations on your appointment as Public Editor.

The New York Times

Rather than glom on to that wave with a cash-in book, Green Day would do better to cede the floor.

The Guardian - Music

The reason for this is simple: By remaining completely passive investors with no voice, SWFs cede the floor to other investors who are not shy in making their voices heard.

Columbia University

Sehgal was worried that the people who were supposed to be talking had been too quick to cede the floor, out of politeness, to interlocutors who had not proved themselves deserving.

The New Yorker

Rather than continuing to cede the floor to others, "reclaiming my time" signaled that it was the moment for Waters — and maybe all of us — to take our power back.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

So Love ceded the floor to him.

The New York Times - Sports

Then all ceded the floor to Tamara Riewe.

The New York Times - Arts

Clearly miffed, the congressman muttered "slippery when dry" before ceding the floor.

The New York Times

"These governments are ceding the floor to more radical voices," said Juliette de Rivero, the Geneva advocacy director at Human Rights Watch.

The New York Times

After welcoming the audience, Mr. Muzijevic ceded the floor to Geoff Nuttall and Livia Sohn, vital young violinists who happen to be married.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cede the floor" in formal settings where you want to politely indicate that another person can now speak. It's particularly effective in debates, meetings, and presentations to maintain decorum and structure.

Common error

Avoid using "cede the floor" in casual conversations. This phrase carries a degree of formality that might sound out of place in informal settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "go ahead" or "you can speak now".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cede the floor" functions as an idiomatic expression used to formally relinquish speaking rights to another person. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cede the floor" is a grammatically correct and relatively common idiomatic expression used to formally relinquish speaking rights. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s primarily found in formal contexts such as news reporting, business, and academia. While phrases like "yield the floor" or "give the floor" are similar, "cede the floor" carries a slightly elevated level of formality. When using this phrase, consider the formality of the setting to ensure it aligns with the overall tone of the conversation or presentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yield the floor

Emphasizes a formal relinquishing of speaking rights.

relinquish the floor

Similar to "yield", suggesting a formal surrender.

give the floor

A more direct and less formal way to offer speaking rights.

hand the floor

Similar to "give the floor" but slightly more suggestive of physical gesture.

transfer the floor

Highlights the act of passing on the right to speak.

cede the platform

Highlights relinquishing a metaphorical standing point.

cede the podium

Highlights relinquishing of standing at a podium.

allow to speak

Simple, direct expression of granting permission to speak.

give way to

Emphasizes stepping aside to allow someone else to proceed.

defer to

Highlights respect for another's opinion or expertise.

FAQs

How can I use "cede the floor" in a sentence?

You might say, "I'd like to "cede the floor" to our guest speaker" or "After my opening remarks, I will "cede the floor" to the committee chair".

What's a less formal way to say "cede the floor"?

Alternatives include "give the floor", "let someone speak", or simply "go ahead".

In what situations is it appropriate to use "cede the floor"?

"Cede the floor" is most appropriate in formal settings such as meetings, debates, and presentations where you want to politely allow another person to speak. Avoid using it in casual conversations.

Is "cede the floor" interchangeable with "yield the floor"?

While very similar, "yield the floor" often implies a slightly more formal or emphatic relinquishing of speaking rights compared to "cede the floor".