we must concede

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we must concede" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when acknowledging a point or argument that is difficult to refute or when admitting a truth in a discussion or debate. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, we must concede that our initial assumptions were incorrect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

What are the points that we must concede?

The Guardian

In one sense, it makes excellent business sense – in a world of economic uncertainties, we must concede that the last acceptable prejudice industry is booming.

The Guardian - Opinion

But in the end, we must concede that he offered, to the serious reader of fiction, a moment of exemplary clarity – something that's missing today.

The Guardian - Books

And then there are the one-night-stands — books that provided solace on an airplane, but whose charms do not endure — and those that, despite their enticing covers, we must concede we will never read.

The New Yorker

If we except the 8 or 10 rowdies in the back row there, whose thought patterns are such that they have been snickering and punching one another's shoulders all through the recital, we must concede that Mr. Burke has been successful.

The New Yorker

And in a county where protest is severely restricted in Parliament Square, and myriad ramparts front the US embassy to similar effect, we must concede that it may take a quote from a Beckham or a sit-in by a Winehouse to generate any noticeable shift in public opinion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

As my teacher Rabbi Artson writes "Just like Abraham, we, too, must concede that life puts us on trial.

Huffington Post

But we also must concede that in the NFL, folks are conditioned to see that sort of behavior as OK.

Huffington Post

To provide a meaningful stimulus to today's economy, Washington must concede that we can afford neither tax cuts nor new spending programs, but there's little political appetite to do that.

The New York Times

Even opponents of the yuck factor must concede that, sometimes, we know that an action is wrong merely on the basis of our reaction to it, even if we cannot satisfactorily justify that reaction.

SEP

They are not dumps: they are modest with, I must concede, some sonorous 1950s plumbing, but they are lovely and we have never thought of renting them out or selling them.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we must concede" ensure that the following statement is factually accurate and relevant to your writing. This will make your writing seem more trustworthy and credible.

Common error

Avoid using "we must concede" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive or overly formal. Use it sparingly to emphasize key concessions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we must concede" functions as a discourse marker, signaling an admission or acknowledgment of a point, often reluctantly. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples provided showcase its role in acknowledging arguments or facts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we must concede" serves as a formal acknowledgment or admission, often used when accepting a point that is difficult to refute. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. While its frequency is considered uncommon, it appears most often in news and media, scientific writing, and formal business contexts. Alternatives such as "we have to admit" or "we must acknowledge" offer similar meanings but may vary in formality. When employing "we must concede", ensure the subsequent statement is accurate and relevant, and avoid overuse to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we have to admit

Slightly more informal than "we must concede".

we are compelled to acknowledge

More formal and emphatic than "we must concede".

we should acknowledge

Suggests a moral obligation to concede.

it is undeniable that

Focuses on the irrefutable nature of the point being conceded.

we cannot deny

Highlights the inability to refute a claim.

we have no choice but to admit

Emphasizes the lack of alternatives to conceding.

we are forced to recognize

Highlights external pressure leading to concession.

we reluctantly acknowledge

Indicates concession despite reservations.

we are obliged to accept

Suggests a formal or legal obligation to concede.

we have to face the fact

Highlights the acceptance of a reality, sometimes unpleasant.

FAQs

What does "we must concede" mean?

The phrase "we must concede" means that we acknowledge or admit something to be true, often reluctantly or after some initial disagreement.

How to use "we must concede" in a sentence?

You can use "we must concede" to acknowledge a valid point or argument made by someone else. For example, "After reviewing the data, "we must concede" that the initial hypothesis was incorrect."

What can I say instead of "we must concede"?

You can use alternatives like "we have to admit", "we must acknowledge", or "we are compelled to acknowledge" depending on the context.

Is "we must concede" formal or informal?

"We must concede" is generally considered a formal phrase suitable for professional writing, academic papers, or formal debates. For informal conversation, phrases like "I have to admit" or "I guess so" may be more appropriate.