concede the argument

USAGE SUMMARY

"concede the argument" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a situation where you are agreeing with someone else's point of view or conceding that another person's argument is valid. For example: "Although I initially disagreed with your point of view, after further consideration, I must concede the argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The tragedy for denialists is that they concede the argument in advance.

The Guardian

Or do they accept that their social order is structurally failing, and concede the argument to the enemy?

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Ellis, in later editions of his biography, graciously conceded the argument.

The New Yorker

Implicitly, the administration is conceding the argument that trade, unless properly regulated, really does militate against good labour standards and a clean environment.

The Economist

Japan, too, has made similar points.Some of this criticism, of course, is posturing: no negotiator concedes the argument at the preliminary stage.

The Economist

Last week, Oriel conceded the argument, generally receiving congratulations amid the expected brickbats, and said it would launch a six-month consultation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet, he concedes, the argument for neutrality still has a powerful attraction for the country's older, rural, often German-speaking population.

The New York Times

In other words, the Knicks, who have thrived all season with unconventional lineups that emphasized ball handling, passing and shooting, conceded the argument of styles to the brutish Pacers.

The New York Times - Sports

When that terrain is conceded the argument moves from "this shouldn't happen to anybody" to "it shouldn't have happened to this person because they are a somebody"; from "I can't believe they're treating black people like this" to "I can't believe they're treating a black A-student like other black kids".

The Guardian - Opinion

Hawking himself, despite conceding the argument more than a decade ago, continued to actively publish on the topic, often declaring that he had finally solved the paradox.

Forbes

By agreeing to the second point, Lyndon Johnson had in effect conceded the argument made by Senator Walsh 42 years earlier.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "concede the argument", follow it with an explanation as to why you're conceding. This adds depth to your analysis and showcases intellectual honesty.

Common error

Avoid using "concede the argument" in casual conversations. It is a formal expression best suited for academic, professional, or analytical writing. In informal settings, consider using phrases such as "I agree" or "you're right" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "concede the argument" functions as a verb phrase, where 'concede' acts as the main verb indicating the act of admitting the validity of a claim, and 'the argument' serves as the direct object. Examples in Ludwig AI showcase it being used in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "concede the argument" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express acknowledgement and acceptance of a claim or viewpoint. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While not overly common, it finds its place in formal contexts like news, academic discussions, and scientific publications. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's best practice to use this phrase when you want to show thoughtful consideration of opposing perspectives. Remember to avoid using it in informal conversations. Semantically related phrases include "recognize the argument" and "accept the argument".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recognize the argument

Focuses on acknowledging the validity of the argument.

acknowledge the argument

Emphasizes an understanding and admission of the argument's existence or importance.

accept the argument

Highlights a willingness to agree with the argument.

grant the argument

Suggests formally agreeing or admitting to the truth of the argument.

yield the argument

Implies giving way to the argument after some resistance.

concede the point

Similar to conceding the argument, but often used in less formal situations.

admit the validity of the argument

Expresses clear acceptance that the argument is correct.

agree with the argument

Highlights an alignment of opinion with the argument.

defer to the argument

Indicates a willingness to accept the argument due to respect or trust.

bow to the argument

Implies surrendering to the argument, often suggesting prior disagreement.

FAQs

How to use "concede the argument" in a sentence?

You can use "concede the argument" to acknowledge the validity of someone's point. For example, "After reviewing the data, I must "concede the argument" that our initial strategy was flawed."

What can I say instead of "concede the argument"?

You can use alternatives like "recognize the argument", "acknowledge the argument", or "accept the argument" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "concede the argument" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "concede the argument" is generally more appropriate for formal writing or discussions. In casual conversations, simpler alternatives like "I agree" or "you're right" are often more suitable.

What's the difference between "concede the argument" and "concede the point"?

"Concede the argument" refers to accepting the overall validity of a line of reasoning, while "concede the point" implies agreeing with a specific detail within that argument. The former has a more significant implication.