Cool MateConcede vs Grant
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Concede
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
Grant
FormalTop 2,000 (common)B2verb
Most formal: Grant
| Concede | Grant | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kənˈsiːd/","/kənˈsiːdz/","/kənˈsiːdɪd/","/kənˈsiːdɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kənˈsiːd/","/kənˈsiːdz/","/kənˈsiːdɪd/","/kənˈsiːdɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ɡrɑːnt/","/ɡrɑːnts/","/ˈɡrɑːntɪd/","/ˈɡrɑːntɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɡrænt/","/ɡrænts/","/ˈɡræntɪd/","/ˈɡræntɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To admit that something is true or that you have lost. | To give something, especially officially. |
| Example | After a long debate, he had to concede that his opponent made some valid points. | The teacher decided to grant the students extra time for their assignment. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | eventually, finally, readily, be forced to, be prepared to, be willing to, to, eventually, finally, readily, be forced to, be prepared to, be willing to, to, eventually, finally, readily, be forced to, be prepared to, be willing to, to | expressly, specifically, automatically, agree to, decide to, refuse to, expressly, specifically, automatically, agree to, decide to, refuse to |
| Antonyms | deny, dispute, refuse | revoke, withhold |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'succeed' — they have opposite meanings., Using 'concede' without an object — it's usually followed by what is being admitted., Mistaking it for 'agree' — conceding often implies a reluctant admission. | Confused with 'granted' which is the past tense., Using 'grant' without an object., Mixing up 'grant' with 'gift', thinking they are interchangeable. |
| Usage notes | Used in discussions, debates, or competitions to acknowledge an opposing argument or result. It may not be appropriate in casual conversations where a more informal tone is expected. | Typically used in formal contexts such as legal or educational settings. Avoid in casual conversations. |
Frequently asked questions: Concede vs Grant
What's the difference between Concede and Grant?
Concede: To admit that something is true or that you have lost. Grant: To give something, especially officially.
Which is more formal: Concede and Grant?
Grant is the most formal of these.
Are Concede and Grant the same CEFR level?
Concede: C1, Grant: B2 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Concede and Grant interchangeably?
Not always. Concede and Grant are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.