grant the argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grant the argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in discussions or debates when you want to acknowledge or accept a point made by someone else, often as a way to build on that point. Example: "While I disagree with your conclusion, I can grant the argument that there are valid concerns regarding the environmental impact."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Of course, even if this assumption is granted, the argument is only as strong as the premise that properties have their associated causal powers essentially.

SEP

Nor would the court grant this argument.

The New Yorker

I talk about cognitive diversity in the book, if you grant that argument that these new technologies help us think in new ways, then the old ways are still useful also, like going for a walk, or writing with a pencil.

The New York Times

So it is with Scotland and England, yet for much of the union's 300-odd years, most people both north and south of the border have taken it for granted, and the arguments in its favour have largely gone by default.

The Economist

Suppose, though, that we grant this part of the argument.

SEP

It is sometimes said that, granting the above arguments and the partiality and defectiveness of the laws of Science, still they are approximations to the truth, and as each fresh fact is introduced the consequent modification of the old law brings us nearer and nearer to a limit of rigorous exactness which we shall reach at last if we only have patience enough.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I must say, Charles Rangel impressed me last weekend, on CBS' Face The Nation, as he is the first Democrat I've heard yet using the "block grant" argument against the Republican spin on SCHIP.

Huffington Post

Granting the success of the argument, my sensations are caused by an external material world.

SEP

Even if you were to grant all of the arguments against Michelle, it still wouldn't explain a popularity rating in line with George W. Bush.

Huffington Post

High quality imagery facilitates our ability to orient the grant reviewer and visually support the argument we are making which is that our efforts will be effective and worthy of funds that are in short supply.

University of California, Berkeley

Thus the defender of the epistemic principles approach could grant that the advocate of the argument from evil has defeasible reasons for atheism, but add that the rational force of these reasons is neutralized by Obscurity, which appears to be the core of CORNEA.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grant the argument" to signal that you understand an opposing viewpoint, even if you don't agree with its conclusion. This can make your own argument more persuasive by showing that you've considered different perspectives.

Common error

Don't use "grant the argument" when you fully agree with something. This phrase implies partial disagreement or reservation, suggesting you're acknowledging a point for discussion purposes only. If you fully endorse a position, use stronger language like "I agree with" or "I support".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grant the argument" functions as a discourse marker used to acknowledge and temporarily accept a premise or viewpoint. This allows for further discussion or the introduction of a counter-argument. As noted by Ludwig AI, it signals acceptance for argumentative purposes.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "grant the argument" is a useful tool for engaging in constructive discussions and debates. It signals that you acknowledge an opposing viewpoint, even if you don't entirely agree with it. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in a variety of contexts. While not extremely common, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and academic publications, suggesting a neutral to formal register. Remember to use it strategically to show you've considered different perspectives and build a stronger argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for the sake of argument, assume

Explicitly states that the acceptance is temporary and for the purpose of continuing the discussion.

granting that

Introduces a clause acknowledging a fact before moving on to a contrasting point.

concede the point

Implies admitting the validity of an opposing viewpoint, often reluctantly.

even if we accept

Acknowledges a point, often to then present a counter-argument or limitation.

accept the premise

Focuses on acknowledging the foundation upon which an argument is built.

admit the validity of the argument

Acknowledges the soundness and logical strength of the argument.

allow the assumption

Highlights the act of permitting a specific assumption to stand unchallenged.

taking that as given

Indicates that a particular claim is being treated as a known fact.

suppose we allow

Suggests a hypothetical acceptance for exploratory purposes.

let's presume

Suggests accepting something as true without proof, for the duration of the discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "grant the argument" in a sentence?

You can use "grant the argument" to acknowledge a point made by someone else, often to build on that point. For example: "While I disagree with your conclusion, I can grant the argument that there are valid concerns regarding the environmental impact."

What's the difference between "grant the argument" and "accept the argument"?

"Grant the argument" often implies a temporary concession for the sake of discussion, while "accept the argument" suggests a more complete agreement. "Granting" is a strategic move in argumentation, whereas "accepting" is a more definitive agreement.

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

You can use alternatives like "concede the point", "accept the premise", or "for the sake of argument, assume" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to "grant the argument" when engaging in a debate?

No, it's not always necessary. However, "granting the argument" can be a strategic way to show you've considered opposing viewpoints, which can make your own position more persuasive. It demonstrates intellectual honesty and a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue.