have to concede

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have to concede" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to acknowledge or admit something, often in a debate or discussion context. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, I have to concede that my initial argument was flawed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

You have to concede it.

The New Yorker

No, it didn't, I have to concede.

The Guardian

What would Iran have to concede?

The New York Times

Sometimes you just have to concede defeat.

The New York Times

Clearly, they will have to concede a lot more.

The Economist

And, I have to concede, he seems to talk sense.

The Guardian

I think they have to concede New York".

The New York Times

It's a bad idea that women have to concede.

The Guardian - Arts

I have to concede that I want cosmic love to work.

The New York Times

Even critics would have to concede that in this regard the company succeeded.

The New York Times

I think I'd have to concede that a kind of snobbery is involved though.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have to concede" to acknowledge a point, fact, or argument that you might initially disagree with. It strengthens your credibility by showing objectivity.

Common error

Avoid using "have to concede" excessively in a single piece of writing. It can make your tone seem grudging or insincere. Use synonyms to vary your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have to concede" functions as a verb phrase used to express acknowledgment or admission, often with a hint of reluctance. It indicates that the speaker or writer is acknowledging a point, fact, or argument, even if they initially disagreed with it. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have to concede" is a common and grammatically correct way to express acknowledgment or admission, often with a degree of reluctance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, and to a lesser extent in science and business. The phrase serves to demonstrate objectivity and fairness, enhancing the speaker's or writer's credibility. When writing, remember to use it judiciously and consider synonyms to avoid repetition. Understanding the nuances of "have to concede" allows for more effective and persuasive communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have to acknowledge

Implies a necessary recognition of a fact or situation.

must acknowledge

Emphasizes a formal recognition or admission of something.

must admit

Highlights the act of confessing or acknowledging something, often unwillingly.

have to grant

Suggests yielding or conceding a point or fact, often in an argument.

forced to admit

Indicates being compelled to acknowledge something against one's will.

compelled to accept

Suggests being obliged to agree or acknowledge something due to overwhelming evidence or circumstances.

left with no choice but to admit

Emphasizes the lack of alternatives in acknowledging something.

reluctantly agree

Expresses agreement with reservation or unwillingness.

cannot deny

Highlights the impossibility of refuting or contradicting a fact.

have no option but to acknowledge

Indicates the absence of alternative actions other than recognizing something.

FAQs

How can I use "have to concede" in a sentence?

You can use "have to concede" to acknowledge a point or argument made by someone else, as in, "I "have to concede" that your point about the budget is valid."

What are some alternatives to saying "have to concede"?

Alternatives include "must admit", "have to acknowledge", or "must acknowledge", depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is it more appropriate to use "have to concede" or "must concede"?

"Have to concede" is generally more informal, while "must concede" is slightly more formal. Both are correct and can be used depending on the tone you want to convey.

What does it mean when someone says "I have to concede"?

It means the person is acknowledging or admitting something, often something they initially disagreed with or were reluctant to accept.