- Used to acknowledge or concede a point made by someone else, before presenting a counter-argument or a different perspective.
- It signals agreement with a specific part of what was said, but implies that this agreement doesn't change the speaker's overall stance.
Explanation
Origin
- Comes from the verb to grant, meaning to allow, admit, or concede something as true.
- Used in this discourse marker sense since at least the 17th century.
- It functions similarly to saying I grant you that point, but is used adverbially at the beginning of a clause.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Alright, alright... (Conceding somewhat grudgingly)
- Okay, okay, I get it...
- Fair play... (UK/Ireland, acknowledging fairness)
Milder/Standard:
- I understand that...
- While it's true that...
- Admittedly...
Situational Appropriateness
- Appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.
- Common in discussions, debates, arguments, and explanations.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers might miss the implication that a contrasting point is coming and think the speaker fully agrees.
- Ensure the listener understands it's a partial concession, not full agreement.
Examples
- Granted, the movie has amazing special effects, but the plot is terrible.
- The commute is long, granted. However, the house itself is perfect.
- Granted... it wasn't my best performance. (Used alone to concede something obvious)
Dialogue
Person A: This new software is really expensive. I'm not sure it's worth it.
Person B: Granted, the initial cost is high. But think about the time savings in the long run – it will pay for itself.
Person A: Hmm, that's a fair point.
Social Media Examples
- Thread Reply: Granted, the article makes some valid points about the economy, but it completely ignores the environmental impact. #Debate #Policy
- Comment: The acting was wooden, granted. Still enjoyed the cinematography though! #MovieReview
Response Patterns
- The listener typically waits for the speaker to present the contrasting point.
- They might nod in acknowledgement of the concession.
- If the speaker pauses too long after Granted..., the listener might prompt them with But...? or And...?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- After hearing Granted, [point conceded]..., the listener expects a ...but... or ...however... statement.
- They might mentally prepare a counter-argument to the speaker's upcoming point.
- If the speaker uses Granted... to admit fault, the listener might follow up with questions about why it happened or what will be done differently.
Conversation Starter
- No. It's used mid-conversation to respond to or build upon a previous point.
Intonation
- Often spoken with a slight pause after Granted.
- The stress is usually on Granted, with a level or slightly falling tone. GRANted...
- It can signal a moment of reflection before pivoting.
Generation Differences
- Used across most adult age groups. Less common among very young speakers.
Regional Variations
- Widely used in most varieties of English.