ready to concede

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ready to concede" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is prepared to admit defeat or acknowledge that they cannot continue to argue or resist a point. Example: "After much deliberation, I am finally ready to concede that my opponent had a stronger argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He seemed almost ready to concede.

The New Yorker

But Jeter was not ready to concede.

The New York Times

But Abdullah wasn't ready to concede.

The New Yorker

They're not ready to concede this yet, it seems.

The New Yorker

But Republicans are not ready to concede an endpoint.

The New York Times

They were not ready to concede on Wednesday.

The New York Times

(Bird may not be ready to concede to Curry, either.

The New Yorker

Villegas, 26, and Mickelson, 38, are not ready to concede.

The New York Times - Sports

The residents were not ready to concede that.

The New York Times

Blockbuster, of course, is not ready to concede.

The New York Times

But Turok was not ready to concede just yet.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, choose this phrase to show that the subject has reached a point of acceptance, often after resistance or debate, adding a sense of closure or resolution to the narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "ready to concede" when the situation calls for a more assertive or proactive approach. It's not appropriate if the subject is merely pausing or strategizing, rather than genuinely accepting defeat.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ready to concede" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a verb, modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes a state of being prepared to yield or admit defeat. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ready to concede" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a willingness to admit defeat or acknowledge a valid point. Ludwig confirms its correctness and applicability across various contexts, particularly in news, sports, and business. While it maintains a neutral register, understanding its nuance is crucial to avoid misapplication in situations demanding assertiveness. Related phrases like "willing to concede" and "prepared to admit defeat" offer alternatives, and avoiding the mistake of using it inappropriately is essential. Overall, "ready to concede" is a versatile phrase for expressing the acceptance of defeat or yielding in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

willing to concede

Emphasizes a voluntary acceptance of defeat or a point.

prepared to admit defeat

Highlights the preparation and acceptance of losing.

close to giving in

A more informal way of expressing a near surrender.

on the verge of conceding

Focuses on the point just before conceding.

close to admitting defeat

Highlights the nearness of accepting defeat.

inclined to yield

Suggests a leaning towards giving in, but not necessarily a full concession.

on the brink of yielding

Emphasizes the precariousness and imminence of giving in.

about to surrender

Implies imminence and a more forceful end to resistance.

nearing surrender

Similar to "about to surrender", but with a gradual approach.

on the verge of capitulation

Suggests a more dramatic and complete surrender.

FAQs

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

You can use "ready to concede" to indicate a willingness to admit defeat or acknowledge a valid point. For example: "After reviewing the evidence, the defendant was "ready to concede" the argument."

What are some alternatives to "ready to concede"?

Some alternatives include "willing to concede", "prepared to admit defeat", or "inclined to yield", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "ready to concede"?

It's appropriate when someone is prepared to admit defeat or acknowledge the validity of an opposing argument, often after a period of resistance or debate.

What is the difference between "ready to concede" and "eager to concede"?

"Ready to concede" suggests a reluctant acceptance, while "eager to concede" implies a willingness or enthusiasm to yield, often to avoid further conflict or delay.