he grants that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he grants that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to acknowledge or concede a point in an argument or discussion, often followed by a contrasting statement. Example: "He grants that the proposal has merit, but he believes it lacks sufficient detail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

His view is not, of course, that reason plays no role in the generation of action; he grants that reason provides information, in particular about means to our ends, which makes a difference to the direction of the will.

SEP

He grants that I. Q

The New York Times - Books

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

The New York Times - Books

Thinking of Céline's fans, he grants that even sentimentality itself might have some positive social value.

The New Yorker

He grants that, yes, he had trouble throwing out runners, but notes that he had a "damn good catcher's E.R.A".

The New York Times - Books

He grants that his collecting is "a little bit obsessional," but he considers it a rational endeavor nonetheless.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

But he granted that liberalism also offered no satisfying solutions.

The Guardian

As he granted that permission, he recalled thinking that Mr. de Castro was raised right.

The New York Times

He granted that, in North County, the overt racism of past decades affected "elders" who lived through that time.

The New Yorker

While he granted that he could not rule out such a scandal at his own company, Mr. Bänziger said the bank's policies would make it hard for a rogue trader to escape detection.

The New York Times

He insisted on libertas philosophandi, freedom of thought, and, while he granted that the state had the power to establish the outward forms of religious worship, he adamantly opposed any coercion of conscience.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he grants that" to introduce a concession before presenting a counterargument or contrasting viewpoint. This can make your writing more balanced and persuasive.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "he grants that" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Consider using simpler alternatives like "he admits" or "he agrees" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he grants that" functions as a concessive conjunction, introducing a statement that acknowledges a point, often preceding a contrasting or qualifying statement. Ludwig AI indicates this usage is grammatically correct and well-supported by examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he grants that" serves as a concessive conjunction, commonly employed to acknowledge a point before presenting a contrasting argument. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically sound and well-supported. It is generally considered neutral to formal, frequently appearing in news, media and scientific writing. For more informal communication, alternatives like "he admits" or "he agrees" may be more appropriate. Understanding the nuances of this phrase enhances precision in writing and argumentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he concedes that

Similar in meaning but slightly more formal, implying a reluctant admission.

he admits that

Indicates an acknowledgment of something, often implying something previously denied or not explicitly stated.

he acknowledges that

A formal way of saying that he recognizes or takes notice of something.

he recognizes the fact that

A more emphatic way of stating recognition, highlighting the factual nature of the acknowledged point.

he recognizes that

Implies a clear understanding and acceptance of a fact or situation.

he allows that

Suggests permission or acceptance, often with reservations.

he agrees that

Indicates alignment or accord with a particular statement or idea.

he understands that

Focuses on comprehension and awareness of a situation or fact.

he accepts that

Implies a willingness to receive or bear something, often with a sense of resignation.

he bears in mind that

Suggests that he is considering something, usually when making a decision or forming an opinion.

FAQs

How can I use "he grants that" in a sentence?

Use "he grants that" to introduce a point someone acknowledges, often followed by a contrasting statement. For example, "He grants that the project is ambitious, but questions its feasibility."

What are some alternatives to "he grants that"?

You can use alternatives such as "he concedes that", "he admits that", or "he acknowledges that" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "he grants that" formal or informal?

"He grants that" is generally considered more formal. In informal contexts, consider using alternatives like "he agrees that".

What's the difference between "he grants that" and "he admits that"?

"He grants that" implies a concession or allowance, whereas "he admits that" often suggests acknowledging something previously denied or not explicitly stated. The difference lies in the implication of prior reluctance or denial.