refuse to concede

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refuse to concede" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is unwilling to accept or acknowledge a point, argument, or situation. Example: "Despite the overwhelming evidence, he continues to refuse to concede that he was wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Despite their predicament, the Nets refuse to concede.

The New York Times - Sports

When confronted with your demands, someone may refuse to concede on principle despite a weak bargaining position.

Harvard University

How could Facebook refuse to concede the dangers it had encouraged?

The Guardian - Opinion

Still, many Giants refuse to concede that the Redskins or the Titans are better.

The New York Times - Sports

European Union officials, by contrast, still refuse to concede that their handling of the financial crisis has been deeply flawed.

The New York Times

Turkish officials refuse to concede that Turkey itself, over centuries of domination, forcibly removed hundreds of objects from their homelands.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Abrams refused to concede.

The Washington Post

Mr. Somare refused to concede defeat.

The New York Times

Most refused to concede his guilt.

The New York Times

And he is refusing to concede.

The New York Times

Meantime, Mr. West has refused to concede.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation in which someone is unwilling to admit something obvious or widely accepted, use "refuse to concede" to convey stubbornness or denial.

Common error

Avoid using "refuse to concede" when a simple disagreement or difference of opinion is present. The phrase implies a deeper level of resistance or unwillingness to yield, so ensure the context warrants such a strong expression.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "refuse to concede" is as a verb phrase, typically used to describe an action or state of unwillingness. The examples provided by Ludwig show it in use across different contexts, often involving politics, sports, or negotiations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "refuse to concede" is a verb phrase used to express a strong unwillingness to accept defeat, admit fault, or yield. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media, academic writing, and other formal contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the context warrants the strong level of resistance it implies. Alternatives like ""decline to yield"" or ""won't admit defeat"" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decline to yield

This alternative emphasizes a formal unwillingness to give way or surrender.

won't admit defeat

This focuses specifically on not acknowledging loss in a competition or conflict.

reject to acknowledge

Highlights a firm denial of acknowledging a fact or situation.

stand one's ground

Implies resisting pressure to change a position or belief.

remain defiant

Suggests an attitude of resistance against opposition.

not back down

Emphasizes a refusal to retreat from a position or argument.

hold firm

Indicates maintaining a position or belief despite pressure.

dig in one's heels

Suggests stubbornly resisting change or yielding.

be unyielding

Focuses on an inflexible or uncompromising stance.

oppose to surrender

Highlights the active resistance to the idea of surrendering or giving up.

FAQs

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

You can use "refuse to concede" to describe someone's unwillingness to accept defeat or admit something. For example, "The candidate "refused to concede" despite the vote count."

What are some alternatives to "refuse to concede"?

Alternatives include "decline to yield", "won't admit defeat", or "reject to acknowledge", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "refuse to concede" or "refuse to admit"?

"Refuse to concede" is best used when there is a formal acknowledgement at stake, such as an election or argument. "Refuse to admit" is more general and can apply to any fact or truth.

What does it mean when someone "refuses to concede" an argument?

It means they are unwilling to accept that their argument is incorrect or that they have lost the debate. They maintain their position despite evidence or opposing viewpoints.