conceding error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conceding error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when acknowledging a mistake or admitting fault in a discussion or argument. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, I find myself conceding error in my previous statement regarding the project's timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Officials of the council said yesterday that they were not conceding error; rather, they said, they had been misunderstood.

The New York Times

It is notable that, in this, the closest Kelly brought him to conceding error, Jones says "children," not "the children," leaving open the possibility that a few died — just not the twenty that "the media" claimed.

The New Yorker

(He doesn't apologize to Al Gore for his previous criticism — or for stealing the 2000 election for that matter. But given how much Bush cherishes his reputation as a stubborn durned cuss, he deserves credit for conceding error at all).

The New York Times - Books

In 2000, while the case was on appeal, the state attorney general at the time, John Cornyn, made an unusual announcement, conceding error in Mr. Buck's case and six others in which the government had relied on race as a factor in sentencing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

By 1970, Rockefeller himself was conceding errors.

The New York Times

Last July, the bank restated its first-quarter 2012 earnings downward by $459 million, conceding errors in the valuations.

The New York Times

And last July, the bank restated its first-quarter 2012 earnings downward by $459 million, conceding errors in the valuations.

The New York Times

In July 2012, the bank restated its first-quarter earnings lower by $459 million, conceding errors in the traders' valuations of losses.

The New York Times

Prosecutors are expected to cite the fact that in July 2012, JPMorgan restated its first-quarter 2012 earnings downward by $459 million, conceding errors in the valuations.

The New York Times

Neither concedes error or defeat.

The New York Times

That's one reason that, by the time of his dismissal, Comey had few public advocates and many detractors for his actions and his unwillingness to concede error.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conceding error" when you want to formally acknowledge a mistake or fault, particularly in a professional or public context. It suggests a deliberate and considered admission.

Common error

Avoid using "conceding error" in informal settings. Simpler phrases like "admitting my mistake" or "I was wrong" are more appropriate for casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conceding error" functions as a verbal phrase acting as a predicate, where "conceding" is a verb in its gerund or present participle form, and "error" is a noun serving as the object of the verb. As Ludwig AI explains, it acknowledges a mistake or admitting fault in a discussion or argument.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "conceding error" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in written English, albeit relatively rare. Ludwig AI indicates it's used for acknowledging mistakes or admitting fault. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its function is to formally recognize an error, often in professional or public settings. While alternatives like "admitting a mistake" or "acknowledging fault" exist for simpler communication, "conceding error" maintains a formal tone suitable for situations requiring a deliberate and considered admission.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

admitting a mistake

Focuses on the action of admitting, replacing "conceding" with a more straightforward term.

acknowledging fault

Replaces both "conceding" and "error" with synonyms, emphasizing the acceptance of responsibility.

confessing to an error

Emphasizes the act of confessing, implying a more formal or serious admission.

accepting responsibility for a mistake

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the acceptance of responsibility.

owning up to a blunder

Uses more informal language to describe admitting a significant mistake.

acknowledging an oversight

Substitutes "error" with "oversight", suggesting a mistake due to negligence.

granting an inaccuracy

Focuses on admitting something was not accurate, replacing "error" with "inaccuracy".

recognizing a flaw

Focuses on recognizing the existence of a defect or imperfection.

admitting culpability

Emphasizes the admission of guilt or blameworthiness.

bowing to the inevitable

This implies that it is necessary to accept what is true or going to happen.

FAQs

How to use "conceding error" in a sentence?

"Conceding error" is used to formally acknowledge a mistake. For example, "After reviewing the data, the company is "conceding error" in its initial projections."

What can I say instead of "conceding error"?

Alternatives include "admitting a mistake", "acknowledging fault", or "owning up to a blunder" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "conceding error"?

It is best used in formal or professional settings when a deliberate and considered admission of a mistake is required. It's less suitable for casual conversations.

What is the difference between "conceding error" and "admitting a mistake"?

"Conceding error" is generally more formal and suggests a more significant or official acknowledgment than "admitting a mistake". The latter is more common in everyday language.