yield the floor

USAGE SUMMARY

"yield the floor" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to give up one's turn to speak and allow someone else to speak or take control of the conversation. Example: During the debate, the politician yielded the floor to her opponent, giving him a chance to share his views on the topic.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Shortly before 1 a.m., Mr. Paul was finally ready to yield the floor.

The New York Times

Ezra Klein has it right: Each representative gets a minute to speak before they yield the floor.

The New Yorker

HENDRIK HERTZBERG: Mr. Rona is the international legal director of Human Rights First, so I yield the floor.

The New Yorker

Even the filibuster is pointless because procedures exist that were bound to force Cruz to yield the floor by Wednesday afternoon.

The Guardian - Opinion

He had taken steam baths to dehydrate himself so he would not have to yield the floor to go to the restroom.

The New York Times

Still, Mr. Kerry continues to lapse into the mode of a senator accustomed to delivering stemwinders until forced to yield the floor.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

He took necessary precautions during the presentation of the ring-tailed lemur, however, and yielded the floor to a second trainer.

The New Yorker

(On the album he sometimes yields the floor to John Boutté, a more incandescent singer, but that missing substitution barely registered here).

The New York Times - Arts

It might seem "just weird," but cloning deserves a fair hearing, one in which impassioned language yields the floor to responsible discourse.

The New York Times

Where McCarthy herself, in her various memoirs, wrote most eloquently about her own life, Kiernan modestly yields the floor and excerpts long passages.

The New York Times - Books

"I was very, very close to staying here," Mr. Clausen said after his group had yielded the floor to a series of improvised responses, according to Racer Sessions protocol.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "yield the floor" in formal settings, such as debates or official meetings, to indicate a deliberate and respectful transfer of speaking rights.

Common error

Avoid using "yield the floor" in casual conversations; it can sound overly formal or theatrical. Simpler phrases like "you can talk now" are more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "yield the floor" functions as a performative utterance, where the speaker's statement itself enacts the transfer of speaking rights. As Ludwig AI also confirms, the phrase is correct and used to give up speaking time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "yield the floor" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, primarily found in news and formal business contexts. It serves as a performative utterance, formally transferring speaking rights to another party. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and commonly used. While "yield the floor" is appropriate for formal settings, simpler alternatives may be more suitable for casual conversations. Remember to maintain formality when using this phrase, and note its prevalence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relinquish the floor

Uses 'relinquish' which is a more formal synonym for 'yield'.

cede the floor

Employs 'cede', suggesting a formal giving up of control or possession.

give up the floor

A simpler and more direct way of saying "yield the floor".

turn over the floor

Indicates a transfer of speaking rights to another person.

pass the floor

Uses 'pass' to imply handing over the speaking opportunity.

hand over the floor

Similar to 'turn over', but with an emphasis on physical transfer.

allow someone else to speak

A more descriptive phrase, focusing on the act of permitting speech.

let someone have the floor

Informal way of indicating someone is given the opportunity to speak.

surrender the floor

Emphasizes a more forceful relinquishment of the speaking position.

conclude my remarks

Focuses on ending one's own speech rather than giving it to another.

FAQs

How to use "yield the floor" in a sentence?

You can use "yield the floor" to indicate that you are giving up your speaking time to someone else, as in, "I "yield the floor" to the next speaker".

What can I say instead of "yield the floor"?

You can use alternatives like "relinquish the floor", "cede the floor", or "give up the floor" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "yield the floor" or "giving the floor"?

"Yield the floor" is the more established and formal phrase. "Giving the floor" might be used in less formal contexts, but "yield the floor" is generally preferred in official settings.

What's the difference between "yield the floor" and "return the floor"?

"Yield the floor" implies giving up one's speaking time or position, while "return the floor" suggests giving back control after a temporary interruption or question. They aren't usually interchangeable.