make concessions

USAGE SUMMARY

"make concessions" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to an agreement between two or more parties to modify a previous arrangement or to agree to something different. For example, "The two sides agreed to make concessions and finally signed the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then make concessions on others".

The New York Times

So we make concessions.

The New York Times

The president continues to make concessions.

The New York Times

None want to make concessions.

The New York Times

It's still too early to make concessions.

The New Yorker

But even baseball survivalists must make concessions.

The New York Times - Sports

They are ready to make concessions.

The Guardian - Opinion

How do you make concessions in a negotiation?

Harvard University

There are other reasons to make concessions in installments.

Harvard University

First, Obama is extraordinarily eager to make concessions.

The New York Times

But now even he has started to make concessions.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When negotiating, strategically "make concessions" on less critical points to build trust and pave the way for agreement on more important issues.

Common error

Avoid making large, upfront "concessions" without gauging the other party's willingness to reciprocate. Incremental adjustments are more effective for maintaining a balanced negotiation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make concessions" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of yielding or compromising, often within negotiations or discussions. Ludwig AI examples highlight this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

22%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make concessions" is a very common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of yielding or compromising, typically to reach an agreement or resolve a conflict. Ludwig AI indicates that its usage spans news, academic, and formal business contexts, making it a versatile phrase for diverse communication scenarios. When writing, remember that incremental, strategic "concessions" are more effective than large, upfront ones. By understanding its nuances, you can use "make concessions" effectively in your writing and negotiations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compromise

A more direct synonym, emphasizing mutual adjustments to reach an agreement.

meet halfway

Suggests a mutual agreement to compromise, where both parties make adjustments.

offer compromises

Focuses on the act of presenting compromises, suggesting a more active role in suggesting solutions.

yield ground

Metaphorically suggests giving up a position or advantage in an argument or negotiation.

soften stance

Indicates a change in position to be more agreeable or flexible.

grant allowances

Implies permitting certain actions or behaviors that might otherwise be restricted.

accede to demands

Suggests reluctantly agreeing to specific requests or requirements.

give way

Implies surrendering or submitting to another's demands or preferences.

find common ground

Emphasizes the discovery of shared interests or beliefs to facilitate agreement.

reach a settlement

Focuses on the outcome of a negotiation, indicating a resolution has been achieved.

FAQs

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

You can use "make concessions" to describe the act of yielding or compromising during a negotiation. For example, "Both parties had to "make concessions" to reach a final agreement."

What's a less formal way to say "make concessions"?

Less formal alternatives to "make concessions" include phrases like "give ground" or "meet halfway", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "make concessions" and "compromise"?

"Make concessions" refers to the act of yielding or granting something, while "compromise" implies a mutual agreement where both sides "make concessions". Compromise is a more balanced and reciprocal process.

When is it appropriate to "make concessions" in a negotiation?

It's appropriate to "make concessions" when you value the relationship or reaching an agreement more than holding firm on every single point. Strategic "make concessions" can build trust and facilitate a positive outcome.