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Language, when you need it
Search concise C2 rules, vocabulary and speaking phrases without leaving the course to hunt through past lessons.
What it is
The concede-and-pivot is a two-step move where you openly agree with part of an opposing point before turning the conversation back to your own argument.
Form
| Form | Pattern | Model sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Claim | state your position | We should launch the product next month. |
| Hedge | concede a valid point on the other side | You're right that the testing isn't fully finished. |
| Qualify | pivot with 'but/that said/even so' | That said, the core features are stable enough to go live. |
| Retract | restate the claim, sharpened | So I still think next month is the right call. |
Use it when
- You're in a debate and need to look fair-minded rather than stubborn
- You're responding to valid criticism without abandoning your position
- You're negotiating and want to build trust before pushing your case
- You're chairing a discussion and need to acknowledge dissent respectfully
Examples
- Fair point about the cost — but the long-term savings still make it worthwhile.
- I'll grant you the timing isn't ideal, though waiting any longer costs us more.
- You're not wrong that morale has dipped, yet the results speak for themselves.
- That's a fair concern, but it doesn't outweigh the benefits we've already seen.
- I hear you on the risk, still, doing nothing carries a bigger one.
Watch out
✗ Conceding so much that you undermine your own argument.
✓ Concede only the specific point that's genuinely valid.
Over-conceding weakens your position instead of strengthening your credibility.
✗ Skipping the pivot word and letting the concession stand alone.
✓ Always follow the concession with 'but/that said/even so' plus your restated point.
Without the pivot, the listener assumes you've changed your mind entirely.
✗ You're wrong about the cost, but fine, maybe you have a point.
✓ You make a fair point about the cost, but I still think this is worth it.
Lead with genuine acknowledgement, not a grudging insult first.
Remember
Agree a little, then push your point a lot.
Quick check
- 1. What are the four stages of a concede-and-pivot?
Reveal
Claim, Hedge (concession), Qualify (pivot), Retract (restated claim)
- 2. Name a typical pivot word used after a concession.
Reveal
but / that said / even so
- 3. Why is conceding a point useful in an argument?
Reveal
It makes you look fair-minded, which makes your main point more persuasive.