Cohesion & Flow

Concession Markers

Use although, even though, while to acknowledge the other side.

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What & why

What it is
Words and phrases (although, even though, while, granted, admittedly) that openly acknowledge an opposing view, limitation, or inconvenient fact before you press your own point. Grammatically they subordinate the concession so the weight falls on the clause that follows, letting you grant ground without surrendering the argument. They signal that you have considered the other side rather than overlooked it, which tends to strengthen a position by meeting objections head on instead of leaving them for the audience to raise.
Why it works

Naming the opposing point first disarms it. When listeners hear you acknowledge a weakness or counterargument, they stop silently rehearsing that objection and start trusting that you have already weighed it, which raises credibility and lowers resistance. The structure also steers attention: words like although signal that the real emphasis lands in the second clause, so the concession registers as minor and your main point as what stands. Addressing the other side openly tends to read as fair and confident, where ignoring it reads as either unaware or evasive.

Before & after

Before

“Our conversion fell, but it is fine.”

After

“Although conversion fell, retention improved for the new plan.”

When you’ll use it

Addressing objections: 'Although the cost seems high, the ROI within 6 months makes this investment profitable.'

Balanced reporting: 'While Q3 sales declined, customer satisfaction reached an all-time high.'

Stakeholder management: 'Even though implementation takes time, the long-term efficiency gains justify the effort.'

Presenting balanced business recommendations with acknowledged risks

Building credibility in persuasive presentations by addressing concerns

Facilitating productive discussions by acknowledging different viewpoints

Strengthening arguments by preemptively addressing counterpoints

Pro tip

Grant the point you can, then show your case.

Questions & answers

What are concession markers in business presentations?

Concession markers acknowledge opposing viewpoints or limitations while maintaining your position, using phrases like 'although,' 'while it's true that,' 'granted,' and 'admittedly.' They demonstrate fairness and strengthen credibility.

How do concession markers strengthen business arguments?

Concession markers show intellectual honesty, acknowledge valid concerns, demonstrate thorough thinking, build trust through fairness, and actually strengthen your position by addressing counterarguments proactively.

When should I use concession markers in professional communication?

Use concession markers when presenting controversial ideas, addressing known objections, discussing complex topics with multiple valid perspectives, or when you want to demonstrate balanced thinking and intellectual integrity.

Learn more

Silva Rhetoricae (BYU) - Concessio
Purdue OWL - Organizing Your Argument
University of Nevada, Reno Writing & Speaking Center - Counterarguments

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