granting that he was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "granting that he was" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to acknowledge a condition or fact that may be accepted for the sake of argument or discussion. Example: "Granting that he was late, we still need to consider his contributions to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

He grants that he was especially "selfish and obstreperous" in his youth.

The New York Times - Books

She says he took it for granted that he was fired, but nevertheless went to work promptly the next day.

The New Yorker

Mr. Barak, who declined to comment, has said publicly that he used to take it for granted that he was under surveillance.

The New York Times

Representative Christopher Shays of Connecticut, a Bush supporter, said he was worried that Mr. Bush "took for granted that he was going to win this thing".

The New York Times

Although reviewing El Greco is impertinent, consider what now follows a few personal thoughts, which take for granted that he was a spectacular painter.

The New York Times - Arts

The best way to go after Mr. Romney, the former president said, was to publicly grant that he was the "severe conservative" he claimed to be, and then hang that unpopular ideology around his neck.

The New York Times

As a kid I took it for granted that he was a bad guy, even if he did start the Post, which until 1976 was the voice of New York liberalism.

The New Yorker

One advantage Roger had when capital was low was that banks, aware of the family fortune, took for granted that he was solvent and were willing to accommodate him.

The New Yorker

I remember my father saying to me – sadly, not cruelly – after my mother died: "You'll never be loved like that again". I took it for granted that he was correct.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Unlike Hank, who kept his distance from his father for most of his adult life, Hal seems to have long taken it for granted that he was going to do whatever his father wanted him to.

The New York Times - Sports

As late as the nineteen-fifties, when most Americans already took it for granted that he was among the greatest of modern writers, a lot of people in France saw Proust as a slightly secondary figure — the way we might have seen a long-winded Scott Fitzgerald, or a Truman Capote who actually got his book written.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "granting that he was" when you want to concede a point for the sake of argument, while still maintaining your overall position. It helps to establish a balanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "granting that he was" in informal settings where simpler phrases like "even if he was" or "although he was" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "granting that he was" functions as a concessive conjunction, introducing a clause that acknowledges a fact or condition, often to set up a contrast or qualification in the main clause. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "granting that he was" is a grammatically correct concessive conjunction used to acknowledge a fact or condition, often in preparation for a contrasting or qualifying statement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and identifies its typical usage in formal and neutral registers such as news media and academic writing. While less frequent than alternative expressions like "although he was" or "even if he was", it serves a specific purpose in establishing a balanced and nuanced perspective in discussions and arguments. Use it to concede a point while maintaining your overall argument's integrity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assuming that he was

Replaces "granting" with "assuming", indicating a hypothetical situation.

acknowledging that he was

Emphasizes recognition of a fact, shifting focus slightly from concession to acceptance.

conceding that he was

Highlights the act of reluctantly admitting something, adding a layer of reservation.

admitting that he was

Implies acceptance of a potentially negative or problematic fact.

even if he was

Introduces a condition that does not negate the main point.

although he was

Highlights a contrast between the conceded fact and the main clause.

while he was

Acknowledges a simultaneous condition or circumstance.

supposing that he was

Similar to assuming, but with a slightly more speculative tone.

allowing that he was

Implies a permission or tolerance in accepting the statement.

given that he was

Acknowledges the statement as a pre-existing condition or a starting point.

FAQs

How can I use "granting that he was" in a sentence?

You can use "granting that he was" to concede a point before continuing with your argument. For example, "Granting that he was late, his contributions to the project were still significant."

What phrases are similar to "granting that he was"?

Similar phrases include "assuming that he was", "acknowledging that he was", or "even if he was", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "granting that he was" formal or informal?

"Granting that he was" leans toward the formal side. In more casual conversation, alternatives like "even though he was" might be a better fit.

When is it appropriate to use "granting that he was"?

Use "granting that he was" when you want to concede a point in a formal discussion or written argument, signaling that you acknowledge a particular fact without necessarily agreeing with its implications.