Cede vs Concede: Which One Is The Correct One?

Are you confused about when to use cede vs concede? You’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the difference between cede and concede, and provide examples of when to use each word.

Let’s clarify which of the two words is the proper one to use. While both words are correct in certain contexts, cede is typically used when referring to giving up territory, power, or rights, while concede is used when admitting defeat or acknowledging a point made by someone else.

According to Merriam-Webster, cede means “to yield or grant typically by treaty,” while concede means “to acknowledge grudgingly or hesitantly.”

Now that we’ve established the definitions of cede and concede, let’s dive deeper into when to use each word.

Define Cede

Cede is a verb that means to give up or surrender something, especially territory or power, to another person or group. It is often used in a political or legal context, such as when a country cedes land to a neighboring country in a treaty or when a company cedes control of a subsidiary to another company.

Define Concede

Concede is a verb that means to acknowledge or admit something, often reluctantly or after a dispute. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as sports (when a team concedes a game) or politics (when a candidate concedes an election). Concede can also mean to give something up as a result of pressure or persuasion, such as when a negotiator concedes a point to reach a compromise.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to writing, using the correct words is essential to conveying your message accurately. The words “cede” and “concede” are often confused due to their similar spelling and pronunciation. However, they have different meanings and usage in a sentence. Here’s how to use them properly:

How To Use “Cede” In A Sentence

The word “cede” means to surrender or give up something, usually territory or power, to another person or entity. Here are some examples of how to use “cede” in a sentence:

• After losing the war, the country was forced to cede its land to the victor.
• The company decided to cede control to its new CEO.
• The politician refused to cede his position despite mounting pressure.

As you can see, “cede” is typically used in a formal or official context, such as in politics or business. It implies a transfer of power or authority from one party to another.

How To Use “Concede” In A Sentence

The word “concede” means to admit or acknowledge something, usually a point or argument, as true or valid. Here are some examples of how to use “concede” in a sentence:

• After a heated debate, the politician finally conceded that his opponent had a valid point.
• The athlete conceded defeat to his rival after a close match.
• The company conceded that their product had flaws and promised to improve it.

As you can see, “concede” is typically used in a more casual or informal context, such as in debates or sports. It implies a recognition of the opposing party’s argument or position.

By understanding the differences between “cede” and “concede,” you can use them correctly in your writing and avoid confusion or misunderstandings.

More Examples Of Cede & Concede Used In Sentences

Understanding the proper usage of cede and concede in sentences is essential to avoid any confusion or misinterpretation. Here are some examples of how to use these two words correctly:

Examples Of Using Cede In A Sentence

• The company decided to cede control to the new management team.
• After much debate, the politician agreed to cede his position to his opponent.
• The treaty required the country to cede a portion of its territory to its neighbor.
• The athlete had to cede his title to the new champion.
• The CEO decided to cede some of his responsibilities to his subordinates.
• The landlord was forced to cede the property to the bank due to unpaid mortgages.
• The general had to cede his command to his superior officer.
• The company had to cede its patent to its competitor due to a legal dispute.
• The team captain had to cede his position to the more experienced player.
• The monarch was forced to cede his throne to the new ruler.

Examples Of Using Concede In A Sentence

• The politician had to concede defeat after losing the election.
• The lawyer advised his client to concede the case to avoid further legal complications.
• The company had to concede to the demands of the labor union.
• The athlete had to concede his victory to his opponent due to a technicality.
• The professor had to concede that his theory was flawed after new evidence emerged.
• The defendant had to concede guilt in order to receive a lighter sentence.
• The negotiator had to concede some of his demands to reach a compromise.
• The manager had to concede that his team was not performing well enough.
• The author had to concede that his book was not as successful as he had hoped.
• The speaker had to concede that his argument was not convincing enough.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to the usage of cede vs concede, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have different meanings and should not be used in place of each other. Here are some common mistakes people make and why they are incorrect:

Using “Cede” Instead Of “Concede”

• Incorrect: The team decided to cede the game to their opponents.
• Correct: The team decided to concede the game to their opponents.

The word “cede” means to give up or surrender something, usually territory or power. On the other hand, “concede” means to admit defeat or acknowledge the truth of something. In the example above, the team did not give up the game, they admitted defeat, making “concede” the correct word to use.

Using “Concede” Instead Of “Cede”

• Incorrect: The company decided to concede control of the project to their competitors.
• Correct: The company decided to cede control of the project to their competitors.

In this case, “cede” is the correct word to use because it means to give up control or power. “Concede” would imply that the company is admitting defeat, which is not the intended meaning.

Offering Tips To Avoid Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it’s important to understand the meanings of both words and use them appropriately. Here are some tips to help:

1. Take the time to look up the definitions of cede and concede to ensure you are using the correct word.
2. If you’re unsure which word to use, try substituting each word in the sentence and see which one makes the most sense.
3. Read over your writing carefully to check for any incorrect usage of cede and concede.

By following these tips, you can avoid common mistakes and improve your writing skills.

Context Matters

When it comes to using the words “cede” and “concede,” context is key. While the two words may seem interchangeable at first glance, their meanings can vary depending on the situation in which they are used. Understanding the nuances of each word can help writers choose the right one for their intended meaning.

Choosing Between Cede And Concede

Here are some examples of different contexts where the choice between “cede” and “concede” might change:

Context	Explanation	Example
Political	“Cede” is often used in the context of territory or power being formally surrendered or transferred, while “concede” is often used in the context of admitting defeat or acknowledging an opponent’s victory.	The country agreed to cede the disputed territory to its neighbor. The losing candidate conceded the election to their opponent.
Business	“Cede” is often used in the context of giving up control or ownership, while “concede” is often used in the context of acknowledging a point made by someone else.	The CEO decided to cede some decision-making power to the board of directors. The marketing team conceded that their initial strategy was not working.
Sports	“Cede” is often used in the context of giving up a position or advantage, while “concede” is often used in the context of admitting a foul or penalty.	The tennis player ceded the first set to their opponent. The soccer player conceded a penalty kick to the opposing team.

As these examples show, the choice between “cede” and “concede” can depend on the specific context in which they are used. Writers should consider the intended meaning and choose the word that best conveys that meaning to their audience.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using cede and concede are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they might not apply. Here are a few examples:

1. Surrendering Land

In some cases, the words cede and concede can be used interchangeably when referring to surrendering land or territory. However, there are some instances where cede might be more appropriate. For example, when a country formally gives up its claim to a piece of land, it might be said to cede that land to another country. This is because cede implies a more formal transfer of ownership or control.

2. Conceding A Point

While concede is typically used to mean admitting defeat or acknowledging the truth of something, it can also be used to mean conceding a point in an argument or discussion. In this context, concede means to acknowledge that someone else has made a valid point or argument, without necessarily admitting that you are wrong. For example, “I concede that your argument has some merit, but I still disagree with your overall conclusion.”

3. Ceding Power

In some cases, cede might be used to refer to giving up power or authority, rather than physical property or territory. For example, a leader might cede power to a successor, or a company might cede control of a project to a different department. This usage of cede emphasizes the formal transfer of authority or control, rather than simply admitting defeat or acknowledging a point.

4. Conceding A Game

When it comes to sports or games, concede is typically used to mean admitting defeat or giving up. However, there are some situations where cede might be more appropriate. For example, if a team forfeits a game due to a rule violation or other issue, it might be said to have ceded the game to the opposing team. This emphasizes the formal transfer of victory, rather than simply acknowledging defeat.

Exceptions to the Rules for Cede vs. Concede

Scenario	Preferred Word	Explanation
Surrendering Land	Cede	Implies a formal transfer of ownership or control
Conceding a Point	Concede	Acknowledging the validity of someone else’s argument or point
Ceding Power	Cede	Emphasizes the formal transfer of authority or control
Conceding a Game	Cede	Emphasizes the formal transfer of victory

Practice Exercises

To improve your understanding and use of cede and concede in sentences, here are some practice exercises:

Exercise 1

Choose the correct word (cede or concede) to complete the following sentences:

1. The company decided to _______ control of the project to a new team.
2. After a lengthy debate, the politician finally _______ defeat to his opponent.
3. The landowner was forced to _______ a portion of his property to the government.
4. The athlete refused to _______ victory to his opponent, despite losing the match.
5. The general was ordered to _______ his position to the enemy forces.

Answer key:

Sentence	Correct Word
1	cede
2	concede
3	cede
4	concede
5	cede

Exercise 2

Write a sentence using cede and a sentence using concede:

• Cede: The company decided to cede control of the project to a new team.
• Concede: After a lengthy debate, the politician finally conceded defeat to his opponent.

Exercise 3

Identify whether the following sentences use cede or concede correctly:

1. The team refused to cede defeat, even though they were clearly losing the game.
2. The company was forced to concede control of the project to a new team.
3. The landowner decided to cede a portion of her property to her son.
4. The politician refused to concede victory, even though the election results were clear.

Answer key:

Sentence	Correct or Incorrect
1	Incorrect (should be concede)
2	Correct
3	Correct
4	Incorrect (should be concede)

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of cede and concede in sentences.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between cede and concede, it is clear that these two words are often confused due to their similar spellings and meanings. However, understanding the subtle nuances between them can greatly improve one’s communication skills and avoid misunderstandings.

Key Takeaways:

• Cede means to give up or surrender something, usually territory or power.
• Concede means to admit or acknowledge something, usually a point in an argument or a defeat.
• Both words are often used in political and legal contexts.
• It is important to use the correct word in the appropriate context to avoid confusion or miscommunication.

As language is constantly evolving, it is important to continue learning and improving our grammar and language use. By doing so, we can effectively communicate our thoughts and ideas to others and avoid common mistakes.