ceding the point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ceding the point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone concedes or yields a particular argument or position in a discussion or debate. Example: "After much discussion, I found myself ceding the point that my initial argument lacked sufficient evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Was he ceding the point?

The New York Times - Magazine

Instead, he took only one step into the court, ceding the point.

The New Yorker

"As uninteresting as the Streets is to talk about, the most interesting element of anything is its death, so if you're going to talk about the Streets, ending the Streets is probably a good thing to talk about," he continues, ceding the point that there might yet be some purpose to our interview, which is only two minutes old.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But Justice Breyer would not cede the point, describing from the bench the way that he himself would arbitrate the case quickly and cheaply.

The New York Times

With a remarkable acceleration in programs that provided for cyclists, the very fundament of the world's great cities appeared to cede the point.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Which is to say yes, I cede the point that there was something tonally off when there didn't need to be.

The New York Times

However, we're not prepared to cede the point to Mr. Adelson that "just about everyone in Detroit…will now have to choose whether to watch the Red Wings or the Pistons," because, in our experience, we've never been sure that there are that many crossover basketball-hockey fans.

The New York Times

Behind 2-4 and 15-30 on the Federer serve, Nadal pulled out brilliant winners with a flicked forehand and backhand across court that so deflated his opponent that he ceded the point – and mastery of the opening set – with a double fault.

The Guardian - Sport

Oshkosh's Szews cedes the point: "Instead of no risk, it should have been low risk," he says.

Forbes

What is striking is that Suárez simply grants the first premise of the first argument, and so effectively cedes the point on which Locke later laid so much emphasis: we have no direct experience of substantial forms.

SEP

It was only after they were forced to cede the point that tax hikes at this precarious time in our recession would be a terrible policy that Democrats owned up to the fact that perhaps raising taxes on anyone is not so smart.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ceding the point" when you want to clearly and directly indicate that you are acknowledging the validity of an opposing argument or claim, especially in formal or analytical contexts. It demonstrates intellectual honesty and willingness to consider different perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using "ceding the point" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday situations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I agree" or "You're right" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ceding the point" functions as a verbal phrase indicating agreement or concession within an argument or discussion. It is used to acknowledge the validity of an opposing viewpoint, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ceding the point" is a verbal phrase that indicates agreement or concession in an argument. It is grammatically correct and most appropriately used in neutral or professional contexts, although should be avoided in informal ones. Ludwig confirms its proper usage and identifies that its frequency is uncommon. While phrases like "I agree" or "you're right" might fit for casual conversations, "ceding the point" shows intellectual honesty and a willingness to accept different perspectives in professional environments. Related alternatives include "conceding the argument" and "granting the premise".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conceding the argument

Emphasizes the act of admitting defeat in a specific line of reasoning.

granting the premise

Focuses on accepting a foundational assumption or condition.

yielding the position

Highlights the act of giving up one's stance or viewpoint.

admitting the validity

Stresses acknowledging the correctness or truth of something.

acknowledging the claim

Implies recognizing and accepting a statement or assertion.

relenting on the issue

Suggests a softening of one's stance on a particular matter.

backing down from the stance

Highlights the act of retreating from a previously held position.

capitulating to the view

Indicates a complete surrender to an opposing perspective.

acquiescing to the idea

Implies a passive acceptance or agreement with a concept.

surrendering the contention

Emphasizes the act of giving up a disputed point or claim.

FAQs

How can I use "ceding the point" in a sentence?

You can use "ceding the point" to indicate that you are acknowledging the validity of someone else's argument. For example, "After reviewing the data, I found myself "ceding the point" that their proposal was more efficient".

What's a more informal way to say "ceding the point"?

Alternatives to "ceding the point" that are more informal include "I agree", "You're right", or "I see your point".

Is it appropriate to use "ceding the point" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "ceding the point" is generally more suitable for formal or analytical contexts. In casual conversation, simpler phrases like "I agree" or "You're right" are usually more appropriate.

What is the difference between "conceding the point" and "ceding the point"?

While very similar, "conceding the point" may imply a slight reluctance or sense of defeat, whereas "ceding the point" is generally more neutral in tone.