concede the debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "concede the debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone acknowledges that they have lost an argument or discussion. Example: "After considering all the evidence presented, I have to concede the debate and accept that my opponent made a stronger case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

However, rather than dismiss this concept out of hand, there are sound strategic reasons for social democrats to lead rather than concede the debate about reforming welfare spending.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now if all these elements could be packaged into a new technology – a new learning model then I would hold my hands up now and concede the debate.

The Guardian

Democrats concede the debate before it begins.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But the dissenters are a long way from conceding the debate, and they have seized on other aspects of the panel's report in an effort to bolster their case.

The New York Times - Science

Besides, many technological improvements seem to have simply speeded up the extraction of oil, rather than increasing the share of each reservoir that can be recovered.Oil clocks outIn short, as Mr Simmons readily concedes, the debate between proponents and critics of "peak oil" boils down to an argument about timing.

The Economist

Democrats conceded the debate before it began, permitting the minority tail (Republicans and Blue Dogs) to wag the dog.

Huffington Post

Fortunatus proposed that Augustine was reducing the scope of evil only to what is committed by humans, though Augustine writes that Fortunatus finally conceded the debate when he admitted that he could not defend his views on the origin of evil.

Wikipedia

We discuss numerous problems with this argument (and the related argument that radical changes to anti-discrimination law are in order) but concede that the debate over what steps, short of quotas, can check implicit prejudice is not resolvable given the paucity of data that clashing camps jointly treat as probative.

Research in Organizational Behavior

But Radcliffe conceded that the debate could not be solved by the simple wave of a wand and opted not to take a firm stance on the issue.

Independent

The debate ends with Trump refusing to say whether he'll concede the election if he loses.

The Guardian

"I concede the point.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "concede the debate" when you want to formally acknowledge that you have lost an argument or that the opposing side has made a stronger case. Be prepared to explain why you are changing your position.

Common error

Avoid using "concede the debate" lightly. Conceding signifies a significant shift in your stance, implying that you are convinced by the opposing arguments. Make sure you mean it and can articulate why you're conceding; don't use it merely to end the discussion or avoid further conflict.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "concede the debate" functions as a verbal phrase. It signifies the act of relinquishing one's position in a discussion or argument, acknowledging the opposing viewpoint as superior. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "concede the debate" is a phrase used to formally acknowledge defeat in an argument, indicating that one has been convinced by the opposing viewpoint. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Although relatively rare in usage, it is most commonly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that you genuinely understand and accept the opposing arguments. Alternatives include "acknowledge the argument" or "admit defeat in the discussion". Avoid using it lightly; use it when you are truly convinced and can explain your shift in perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Cede the argument

Similar to conceding, but with a slightly more formal tone.

Admit defeat in the discussion

Directly states the act of losing an argument.

Surrender the debate

Uses a stronger term for giving up on the debate.

Acknowledge the argument

Focuses on recognizing the validity of an argument.

Yield the point

Emphasizes giving way on a specific point.

Recognize the validity of the counterargument

Highlights the acknowledgment of the strength of the opposing viewpoint.

Acknowledge the other side's victory

Focuses on the recognition of the other side winning the debate.

Accept the opposing view

Focuses on agreeing with the alternative perspective.

Relent in the debate

Highlights the act of giving way after resistance.

Grant the premise

Acknowledges the foundation of the opposing argument.

FAQs

What does it mean to "concede the debate"?

To "concede the debate" means to acknowledge that you have lost an argument or that your opponent has presented a more convincing case. It implies a change in your position based on the strength of the opposing arguments.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "concede the debate"?

It's appropriate to use "concede the debate" when you genuinely recognize the strength of the opposing arguments and are willing to change your stance. It should be used when you are convinced by the evidence or reasoning presented by the other side.

Are there alternative phrases I can use instead of "concede the debate"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "acknowledge the argument", "admit defeat in the discussion", or "yield the point" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "concede the debate" and "agree to disagree"?

"Concede the debate" means that you acknowledge the other side has won the argument, whereas "agree to disagree" indicates that both sides maintain their original positions despite the discussion, meaning they "agree to differ".