concede ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "concede ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is yielding or giving up a position, often in discussions, negotiations, or debates. Example: "In the heated debate, the politician had to concede ground on several key issues to reach a compromise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The prime minister's spokesman said the government did not intend to concede ground.

The Guardian

Democrats do not have to concede ground on the war and the economy to the Republicans.

The New York Times

Let's say you mistakenly concede ground and admit the other person might have a point.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Stephenson's unwillingness to concede ground to Davy is understandable: the winner in the race to establish priority, as Michael Strevens has noted, takes all.

The Guardian

But the peer will not concede ground on another select committee recommendation, namely that the definition of unbearable suffering be replaced with "unrelievable" or "intractable" suffering or distress.

The Guardian

That neither forward was prepared to concede ground said much about the tense nature of the first 40 minutes, which finished 11-11.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Some ministries, such as trade and industry, have conceded ground.

The Economist

Arsenal's rearguard were rattled, conceding ground, possession and chances.

The Guardian - Sport

But for most of the past 50 years renters have been conceding ground to owners.

The Economist

We have argued and argued on this one but the government have not yet conceded ground.

The Guardian

Instead of conceding ground, though, the main participants appeared to have hardened their stances.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "concede ground" when you want to emphasize a reluctant yielding of a position or argument in a negotiation, debate, or conflict. It suggests more than just agreement; it implies a loss of advantage.

Common error

Avoid using "concede ground" when simply agreeing with someone or acknowledging a minor point. This phrase carries a heavier weight of surrender and is not suitable for casual agreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "concede ground" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of yielding or surrendering a position, argument, or advantage. Ludwig AI confirms that "concede ground" is correct and usable. Examples show its usage in political negotiations, sports, and general discussions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "concede ground" is a commonly used verb phrase that signifies yielding a position or argument, often in a negotiation or conflict. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating a strategic retreat or compromise. While

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yield territory

Focuses on the physical or metaphorical space being given up.

give way

Implies a yielding under pressure or force.

back down

Suggests a retreat from a previously held position.

relent

Indicates a softening or abandonment of a strict stance.

capitulate

Implies a complete surrender or submission.

surrender

A formal term for giving up control or resistance.

acquiesce

Suggests reluctant acceptance without protest.

defer

Indicates yielding to another's judgment or authority.

submit

Implies a passive acceptance of defeat or dominance.

compromise

Suggests mutual concessions to reach an agreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "concede ground" to indicate that someone is reluctantly yielding a point or position in an argument or negotiation. For example, "The politician had to "concede ground" on several key issues to reach a compromise".

What's a less formal alternative to "concede ground"?

Less formal alternatives include "back down", "give in", or "give way", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Whether to ""concede ground"" or "stand your ground" depends on the context. "Conceding ground" might be necessary for compromise, while "standing your ground" is important when defending core principles.

What does it mean to "concede ground" in a negotiation?

In a negotiation, to ""concede ground"" means to give up some of your initial demands or positions in order to reach an agreement. It often involves compromise and strategic yielding.