grudging admission

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grudging admission" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone reluctantly acknowledges or concedes a point or fact, often after some resistance. Example: "After much debate, she finally made a grudging admission that he was right about the project's direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The Tories said Brown had given a "grudging" admission on cuts.

The Guardian

Mr Schäuble's own belated and grudging admission that he himself had taken an undeclared DM100,000 ($52,000) in cash from Karlheinz Schreiber, an arms dealer at the heart of the scandal, further damaged him.In this section Is Europe corrupt?

The Economist

This grudging admission that causality exists in certain strictly defined and circumscribed cases was occasioned by moral, not physical, considerations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Being unable to speak anything except English (coupled with a grudging admission to having "done some Latin") is like boasting that you were bad at maths.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is not the politics of envy, but a grudging admission from New Labour that ultimately, Britain might be better off with a smaller City.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is a grudging admission that some public-sector employees are necessary − a few doctors and nurses; perhaps some teachers (if they're teaching the right subjects and their pupils are achieving the right grades).

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

No one in power wanted to legitimize the movement, but the sheer weight of its accuracy has forced people into grudging admissions.

Huffington Post

Their praise was grudging, though.

The Economist

Stalin again gave grudging support.

The Guardian

Yet praise for Obama was surprisingly grudging.

The New Yorker

They hold grudges against him, and he out-grudges them.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: this phrase works well when reporting on political debates, legal proceedings, or any situation where acknowledgment is hard-won.

Common error

Avoid using "grudging admission" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stiff, especially when a simpler, more direct expression would suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grudging admission" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It describes the act of admitting something with reluctance. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase highlights the manner in which the admission is made.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Opinion

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grudging admission" signifies a reluctant acknowledgment, often laden with underlying resistance. As validated by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and finds common usage in news and media, opinion pieces, and encyclopedic contexts. Its professional tone makes it suitable for formal settings, highlighting the unwillingness behind the admission. For alternative phrasing, consider "reluctant acknowledgment" or "unwilling concession" to achieve the desired nuance. Ensure it's appropriate for the context to avoid sounding overly formal in casual conversation. Ludwig AI confirms its consistent use in authoritative sources, solidifying its place as a valid and effective expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reluctant acknowledgment

Emphasizes the reluctance in acknowledging something, similar to "grudging admission".

unwilling concession

Highlights the unwillingness to concede a point, mirroring the sentiment of "grudging admission".

hesitant acceptance

Focuses on the hesitation in accepting something, akin to a "grudging admission".

forced acknowledgement

Stresses that the acknowledgement is forced rather than willingly given.

qualified acceptance

Implies that the acceptance comes with conditions or reservations.

tacit recognition

Suggests a silent or unspoken recognition, often reluctant.

half-hearted agreement

Highlights the lack of enthusiasm or conviction in the agreement.

stinting endorsement

Implies a limited or restrained endorsement, indicating a lack of full support.

belated acknowledgement

Indicates that the acknowledgement occurred later than expected or desired.

extorted confession

Suggests the admission was obtained through pressure or coercion.

FAQs

How can I use "grudging admission" in a sentence?

You can use "grudging admission" to describe a situation where someone reluctantly admits something, such as: "After hours of debate, the CEO gave a "grudging admission" that the project was over budget."

What are some alternatives to "grudging admission"?

Alternatives include "reluctant acknowledgment", "unwilling concession", or "hesitant acceptance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "grudging" imply in "grudging admission"?

"Grudging" implies that the admission is given unwillingly or resentfully, often after resistance. It highlights the internal reluctance or lack of enthusiasm in making the admission.

Is "grudging admission" formal or informal?

"Grudging admission" is generally considered a more formal phrase, suitable for news reporting, academic writing, or professional contexts. Simpler terms might be preferable in casual conversation.