It must be acknowledged that
Argumentation and critical discussion expression
Use this phrase to admit an undeniable truth before moving on to your main argument.
En 15 secondes
- Used to admit a truth that might complicate your main point.
- Signals intellectual honesty and a balanced perspective in discussion.
- Best for formal writing, debates, or serious professional meetings.
Signification
This phrase is used to admit that something is true, even if it's inconvenient or goes against your main argument. It's like saying, 'I have to be honest and give credit where it is due.'
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Discussing a movie with a friend
It must be acknowledged that the acting was superb, even if the plot was a mess.
It must be acknowledged that the acting was superb, even if the plot was a mess.
In a high-stakes business meeting
It must be acknowledged that our competitors have a faster delivery system.
It must be acknowledged that our competitors have a faster delivery system.
Writing a formal academic essay
It must be acknowledged that previous studies have shown conflicting results.
It must be acknowledged that previous studies have shown conflicting results.
Contexte culturel
This expression is deeply rooted in the Western tradition of dialectics and formal debate. It gained popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries within legal and philosophical texts to ensure all sides of an argument were addressed. Today, it remains a staple of high-level journalism and political discourse in the UK and US.
The 'But' Bridge
Always follow this phrase with a 'but' or 'however' to pivot back to your main argument. It makes you look like a master negotiator.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this more than once in a short email, you will sound like a 19th-century lawyer. Use it sparingly for maximum impact.
En 15 secondes
- Used to admit a truth that might complicate your main point.
- Signals intellectual honesty and a balanced perspective in discussion.
- Best for formal writing, debates, or serious professional meetings.
What It Means
Think of this as your 'intellectual honesty' card. You use it must be acknowledged that when you are making a point but realize there is a fact you cannot ignore. It shows you are fair. It shows you see the whole picture. It is not just about facts. It is about being a balanced person.
How To Use It
Place this phrase at the start of a sentence to introduce a heavy truth. It acts as a bridge between your opinion and a hard reality. Use it when you want to sound authoritative yet reasonable. It often precedes a 'but' or 'however.' For example: It must be acknowledged that the food was cold, but the service was excellent. You are giving a little ground to win the bigger argument.
When To Use It
You will hear this in serious debates or business meetings. Use it when discussing performance reviews or complex social issues. It works perfectly when you need to sound like the most mature person in the room. It is great for writing essays or formal emails where you need to address a counter-argument. Even in a serious talk with a partner, it shows you are listening.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this at a loud party or while grabbing fast food. It is way too heavy for casual small talk. Avoid it if the fact is obvious or silly. Saying it must be acknowledged that water is wet will make you sound like a robot. If you are joking around with friends, this phrase will kill the vibe instantly. Keep it for moments that carry some weight.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from a tradition of formal British and academic rhetoric. It reflects a cultural value of 'fair play' and objective reasoning. In English-speaking cultures, appearing biased is a weakness. By using this phrase, you signal that you are following the rules of logic. It is a linguistic 'hat tip' to the truth. It suggests you are a person of high integrity.
Common Variations
If you want to sound slightly less like a professor, try we have to admit that. For a more modern feel, use it is worth noting that. If you are feeling very formal, go with it is incumbent upon us to recognize. In a casual setting, just say to be fair. Each one changes the 'temperature' of the conversation. Choose the one that fits your current outfit!
Notes d'usage
This is a C2-level expression primarily used in formal registers. It functions as a cohesive device in argumentation to concede a point gracefully. Avoid using it in high-energy, informal social settings.
The 'But' Bridge
Always follow this phrase with a 'but' or 'however' to pivot back to your main argument. It makes you look like a master negotiator.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this more than once in a short email, you will sound like a 19th-century lawyer. Use it sparingly for maximum impact.
The 'Polite' Concession
In British English, this is often used to politely tell someone they are wrong by first acknowledging one small thing they got right.
Exemples
6It must be acknowledged that the acting was superb, even if the plot was a mess.
It must be acknowledged that the acting was superb, even if the plot was a mess.
The speaker admits a positive quality before criticizing the movie.
It must be acknowledged that our competitors have a faster delivery system.
It must be acknowledged that our competitors have a faster delivery system.
Shows the speaker is realistic about the company's weaknesses.
It must be acknowledged that previous studies have shown conflicting results.
It must be acknowledged that previous studies have shown conflicting results.
Standard way to address existing research in a serious paper.
It must be acknowledged that I was a bit grumpy this morning.
It must be acknowledged that I was a bit grumpy this morning.
Uses formal language to add a touch of sincerity or slight irony to an apology.
It must be acknowledged that the 'ocean view' was actually a view of a dumpster.
It must be acknowledged that the 'ocean view' was actually a view of a dumpster.
The formal tone creates a funny contrast with the disappointing reality.
It must be acknowledged that Sarah has the patience of a saint for marrying John.
It must be acknowledged that Sarah has the patience of a saint for marrying John.
A polite but funny way to tease the groom.
Teste-toi
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence for a professional report.
___ the project faced significant delays due to the weather.
This phrase provides the necessary formal tone for a professional report.
Which phrase fits best when admitting a mistake in a serious discussion?
___ I didn't communicate the changes clearly enough.
It shows you are taking responsibility in a mature, formal way.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Scale of Admitting Truth
Used with friends.
To be fair...
Used in everyday work.
We have to admit...
Used in speeches/essays.
It must be acknowledged that...
Legal or high-academic.
It is a matter of record that...
Where to use 'It must be acknowledged that'
Boardroom Meeting
Admitting a budget deficit.
University Essay
Recognizing a counter-theory.
Political Debate
Conceding a point to an opponent.
Serious Apology
Admitting your own fault.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt depends on the recipient. For a boss or a client, it's perfect; for a close teammate, we should admit is better.
Yes, they are almost identical. Recognized feels slightly more about identifying a fact, while acknowledged feels more like admitting a truth.
Actually, it does the opposite. It makes you sound confident because you aren't afraid to look at the facts.
Only if you are being intentionally dramatic or funny. For example: It must be acknowledged that you were right about the pizza place.
Forgetting the word that. You cannot say It must be acknowledged the weather was bad. You need the that to connect the clauses.
Yes, in presentations or serious discussions. It's less common in casual coffee chats.
Try saying I must admit that or Let's be honest, which carry the same meaning but feel warmer.
Not necessarily, but it is often used to introduce a 'negative' fact that you can no longer ignore.
Absolutely. It is very common in American journalism and legal proceedings.
Yes, it is a very strong paragraph opener for a persuasive essay or a cover letter.
Expressions liées
It is undeniable that
One cannot ignore that
Admittedly
It goes without saying that
To be fair
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