conceding that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conceding that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to acknowledge a point or argument while still maintaining a differing viewpoint or position. Example: "Conceding that the proposal has some merit, I still believe it lacks the necessary details for implementation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Republican leaders show no sign of conceding that point.

The New York Times

"They were angry with themselves for conceding that goal.

The New York Times - Sports

Conceding that goal was a blow but to do so again so shortly afterwards was disastrous.

Independent

But others, while conceding that growth has slowed, are more sanguine about the economy's prospects.

The New York Times

32 min: Braga have barely touched the ball since conceding that second goal.

The Guardian - Sport

Tottenham as a whole haven't really gathered themselves yet since conceding that goal.

The Guardian - Sport

"It may not be perfect," he said, conceding that Americans "may have problems with it".

The New York Times - Health

Conceding that rents will inevitably rise and gentrification will continue, he asked: "Is that a shame?

The New York Times

"I won't say it's sliding off," he said, though conceding that "it's further on the side".

The New York Times - Health

The US originally said no civilians died before eventually conceding that 33 people had been killed.

The Guardian

"It was pleasing to get on but the only negative was conceding that goal," he said.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conceding that" to introduce a point you acknowledge as valid, even if it contrasts with your main argument. This strengthens your credibility by showing you've considered other perspectives.

Common error

While "conceding that" is appropriate in formal contexts, overuse in casual writing can make your tone sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "admitting" or "even though" for a more natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "conceding that" is to act as a subordinating conjunction, introducing a clause that acknowledges a point before presenting a contrasting or qualifying statement. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, showing acknowledgment before further discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conceding that" functions as a subordinating conjunction, used to acknowledge a point before presenting a contrasting argument. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in neutral to professional registers, particularly in news, scientific, and business contexts. It signals balance and objectivity, demonstrating consideration of alternative viewpoints. When using this phrase, consider the context to avoid overuse in informal settings, opting for simpler alternatives like "admitting that" or "even though" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

admitting that

Replaces "conceding" with a more direct term for acknowledging something, implying a possible reluctance.

acknowledging that

Offers a more neutral alternative to "conceding", simply recognizing a fact or situation.

granting that

Similar to "conceding", but suggests a more formal or generous allowance of a point.

allowing that

Implies permission or acceptance of a point, often with reservations.

accepting that

Indicates agreement with a statement or situation, potentially implying resignation.

recognizing that

Focuses on the awareness or understanding of a particular fact or circumstance.

while acknowledging that

Adds a sense of contrast or qualification to the act of acknowledgment.

even though

Introduces a contrasting element, similar to "conceding that", but places more emphasis on the contrast.

notwithstanding that

Presents a more formal way of saying "despite the fact that", indicating a contrast.

despite the fact that

Highlights a contradiction or unexpected element following the statement.

FAQs

What does "conceding that" mean?

"Conceding that" means acknowledging or admitting something is true or valid, often before presenting a contrasting point or argument. It indicates a partial agreement or acceptance of a fact.

How can I use "conceding that" in a sentence?

You can use "conceding that" to introduce a statement you acknowledge, even if you disagree with its implications. For example, "Conceding that the project is over budget, we still believe it will deliver significant long-term value."

What can I say instead of "conceding that"?

You can use alternatives like "admitting that", "acknowledging that", or "granting that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "conceding that" and "although"?

Both "conceding that" and "although" introduce contrasting information, but "conceding that" explicitly acknowledges a point, while "although" simply introduces a contrasting idea without necessarily implying agreement. For example: "Although the evidence is compelling, we remain skeptical" vs. "Conceding that the evidence is compelling, we still have reservations."