make a concession

USAGE SUMMARY

'make a concession' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to admit that the other side has a valid point or argument, even if it is in opposition to your own position. For example, you might say, "I understand your point of view, but I still think that my idea is the best solution. However, I am willing to make a concession and allow you to try your approach first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

He's not mandated to make a concession".

The New York Times

"Our country will never make a concession on the matter of sovereignty," he added.

The New York Times

In one of his books, though, he did make a concession to changing times.

The New Yorker

Obama finally concluded that he had to make a concession to its lesser angels.

The New Yorker

It should be noted that Mr. Obama didn't even make a concession speech last night.

The New York Times

On Monday Court TV announced it would make a concession to its critics.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Ms. Smith made a concession here, too.

The New York Times

At the 11th hour, the Kurds made a concession.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then she made a concession to the armchair psychologists.

The New Yorker

But a seminary priest says the government has made a concession.

The Economist

"SPS made a concession, agreeing to call early elections, and DOS made a concession by agreeing to enter into this transitional government," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a concession" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being conceded and the reason behind it. Providing specific details adds clarity and strengthens the argument.

Common error

Avoid using "make a concession" without specifying what is being conceded. This can lead to confusion and weaken the impact of your statement. Always provide context to clarify the nature and scope of the concession.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a concession" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of yielding or compromising on a particular point. It's commonly used to describe actions taken during negotiations, debates, or discussions where parties agree to relinquish certain demands or positions to reach an agreement. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make a concession" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the act of yielding or compromising, particularly in negotiations or discussions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and used in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Formal & Business settings, it signifies a willingness to compromise to reach an agreement. Related phrases like "offer a compromise" or "give ground" provide alternative ways to express similar ideas. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly specifies what is being conceded to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give ground

Suggests retreating from a previously held position.

offer a compromise

Emphasizes the act of suggesting a middle ground to resolve a dispute.

find a middle ground

Focuses on discovering a mutually acceptable solution.

yield a point

Highlights the act of surrendering a specific argument or idea.

meet halfway

Implies mutual compromise and shared effort.

reach an agreement

Highlights the outcome of successful negotiation.

grant an allowance

Focuses on permitting something that was initially restricted.

settle on terms

Emphasizes the finalization of conditions after negotiation.

accede to demands

Suggests reluctantly agreeing to imposed requirements.

cave in to pressure

Implies surrendering due to external force or influence.

FAQs

How can I use "make a concession" in a sentence?

You can use "make a concession" to indicate an agreement to yield on a particular point during a negotiation or argument. For instance, "The company decided to make a concession to the union to avoid a strike".

What are some alternatives to "make a concession"?

Alternatives include phrases like "offer a compromise", "give ground", or "meet halfway", each suggesting a slightly different approach to reaching an agreement.

Is it always necessary to "make a concession" during a negotiation?

No, it's not always necessary, but it's often helpful for reaching a mutually agreeable outcome. Knowing when to "make a concession" can be a key factor in successful negotiations.

What's the difference between "make a concession" and "cave in to pressure"?

"Make a concession" implies a voluntary agreement to yield on a point, whereas "cave in to pressure" suggests surrendering against one's will due to external force.