One cannot deny that
Argumentation and critical discussion expression
Use this to introduce a truth so obvious that arguing against it would seem foolish.
En 15 secondes
- Used to introduce an indisputable fact or a very strong point.
- Makes your argument sound objective, logical, and difficult to challenge.
- Best suited for formal writing, debates, or serious professional discussions.
Signification
This phrase is used to introduce a fact that is so obvious or well-proven that nobody can argue against it. It is a powerful way to start a point when you want to sound convincing and logical.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Discussing a famous athlete's career
One cannot deny that Messi has changed the game of football forever.
It is a fact that Messi changed football.
Reviewing a restaurant with a friend
One cannot deny that the service was slow, even if the food was great.
The service was definitely slow.
A formal business meeting about budget cuts
One cannot deny that our current spending is unsustainable.
We are clearly spending too much money.
Contexte culturel
The use of the 'impersonal one' is a hallmark of high-level British and academic English. It removes the speaker's ego from the statement, making the argument feel like a shared human observation rather than a personal bias. It became a staple of 18th-century philosophical writing and remains a sign of a highly educated speaker today.
The 'One' Factor
Using 'one' instead of 'I' or 'you' makes you sound like a philosopher. It shifts the focus from your opinion to a universal truth.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase too often in one conversation, you will sound arrogant or overly dramatic. Save it for your strongest point.
En 15 secondes
- Used to introduce an indisputable fact or a very strong point.
- Makes your argument sound objective, logical, and difficult to challenge.
- Best suited for formal writing, debates, or serious professional discussions.
What It Means
One cannot deny that is a sophisticated way of saying "it is true." It suggests that the evidence is so strong that any reasonable person must agree. You are essentially closing the door on disagreement before it even starts. It feels firm, intellectual, and very confident.
How To Use It
Place this phrase at the very beginning of your sentence. Follow it with a complete statement of fact or a strong opinion. For example: One cannot deny that the coffee here is overpriced. You are setting the stage for a serious point. It works best when you are about to pivot to a deeper argument. Don't use it for tiny, unimportant things unless you are being funny.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound like an expert or a deep thinker. It is perfect for business presentations or academic essays. You can also use it in a heated debate with friends about movies or sports. It adds a layer of authority to your voice. It makes your listener stop and think, "Well, they have a point."
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in very casual text messages to your best friend. Saying One cannot deny that I am hungry sounds like you are a robot from a 19th-century novel. Do not use it if you are unsure about your facts. If someone *can* actually deny it, you will look a bit silly. It is too heavy for light, breezy small talk about the weather.
Cultural Background
This expression comes from a tradition of formal English rhetoric and logic. It reflects a cultural value in English-speaking societies for objective reasoning. It uses the impersonal one to make the statement sound like a universal truth. It is not just *your* opinion; it is *everyone's* reality. It is the linguistic equivalent of wearing a well-tailored suit to a meeting.
Common Variations
If you want to sound slightly less formal, try There is no denying that. For a more modern feel, use It is undeniable that. If you want to be even more intense, try It is impossible to deny that. Each of these carries the same weight but changes the rhythm of your speech. They all signal that you are about to drop some serious truth.
Notes d'usage
This phrase sits at a C2 level because it requires an understanding of the impersonal 'one'. It is highly effective in professional and academic registers but can feel 'stiff' in purely social settings.
The 'One' Factor
Using 'one' instead of 'I' or 'you' makes you sound like a philosopher. It shifts the focus from your opinion to a universal truth.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase too often in one conversation, you will sound arrogant or overly dramatic. Save it for your strongest point.
The British Politeness
In the UK, this phrase is often used to politely disagree. By starting with something undeniable, the speaker makes the following disagreement feel less aggressive.
Exemples
6One cannot deny that Messi has changed the game of football forever.
It is a fact that Messi changed football.
Used to establish a common ground before making a specific point.
One cannot deny that the service was slow, even if the food was great.
The service was definitely slow.
Using a formal phrase for a common complaint adds a bit of dramatic weight.
One cannot deny that our current spending is unsustainable.
We are clearly spending too much money.
Softens a hard truth by making it sound like a logical necessity.
One cannot deny that the finale was a total disaster.
Everyone knows the ending was bad.
Slightly hyperbolic and humorous due to the high formality for a low-stakes topic.
One cannot deny that these two were absolutely made for each other.
It is obvious they belong together.
Adds a sense of gravity and sincerity to the compliment.
One cannot deny that global temperatures have risen sharply this decade.
The rise in temperature is a proven fact.
Perfect for academic or evidence-based discussions.
Teste-toi
Choose the best phrase to make the statement sound most authoritative and indisputable.
___ the internet has fundamentally changed how we communicate.
This phrase creates the strongest sense of an objective, unarguable truth.
Complete the sentence to sound formal and convincing.
One cannot deny that ___ is essential for a healthy lifestyle.
The phrase requires a statement that is widely accepted as a factual truth.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Level of 'One cannot deny that'
It's true that...
It's true that the movie was long.
There's no denying that...
There's no denying that the city is expensive.
One cannot deny that...
One cannot deny that the policy failed.
It is incontrovertible that...
It is incontrovertible that the data is flawed.
When to use 'One cannot deny that'
Academic Essay
One cannot deny that the industrial revolution...
Business Pitch
One cannot deny that the market is shifting.
Serious Debate
One cannot deny that human rights are vital.
Sarcastic Remark
One cannot deny that you are late again.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, you can say I cannot deny that, but it becomes a personal admission rather than a general fact. One cannot deny sounds much more objective.
It is formal, but not outdated. You will see it constantly in high-quality journalism like The Economist or The New York Times.
It is true that is simple and direct. One cannot deny that is more persuasive and suggests that anyone who tries to argue is wrong.
Absolutely. It is a great way to bring up a serious issue, like One cannot deny that our team is overworked.
In this specific construction, yes. That introduces the clause or the fact you are talking about.
Yes, but it might sound a little 'extra' or dramatic. Use it if you want to sound like a lawyer for a moment.
In this context, deny means to refuse to admit the truth of something. So, you are saying it's impossible to refuse the truth.
Yes! Nobody can deny that is the slightly more common, less formal version of the same idea.
It is very common in formal writing, but you will also hear it in speeches, debates, and serious interviews.
Then you are using the phrase to 'bully' the listener into agreeing with you. It's a common rhetorical trick!
Expressions liées
It goes without saying that
Something is so obvious it doesn't even need to be mentioned.
It is undeniable that
A more modern and direct way to say the same thing.
Beyond a shadow of a doubt
Used to describe something that is 100% certain.
Needless to say
Used to introduce information that the listener likely already knows.
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