1
Acknowledge a limitation
Concede a fact that may weaken the writer’s position.
Example
Admittedly, the sample is smaller than researchers intended.
admittedly
/ədˈmɪtɪdli/ · ad-MIT-id-leeconcession adverb
As must be acknowledged; used to concede a point before qualifying it.
Use admittedly to signal this exact relationship between ideas: as must be acknowledged; used to concede a point before qualifying it.
What admittedly Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Grant an opposing point
Accept part of another view before responding.
Example
The design is, admittedly, more expensive, but it lasts longer.
3
Signal intellectual honesty
Mark a claim the writer accepts without abandoning the main argument.
Example
Admittedly, no single source settles the debate.
Use admittedly Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Admittedly, the sample is smaller than researchers intended.
The design is, admittedly, more expensive, but it lasts longer.
Admittedly, no single source settles the debate.
Precision Matters
Admittedly overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
admittedly
vs.Signals as must be acknowledged; used to concede a point before qualifying it.
although
Means despite the fact that; introduces a subordinate concession.
admittedly
vs.Signals as must be acknowledged; used to concede a point before qualifying it.
all the same
Means nevertheless; despite the point or difficulty just mentioned.
admittedly
vs.Signals as must be acknowledged; used to concede a point before qualifying it.
additionally
Means also; as a further, separate point.
admittedly
vs.Signals as must be acknowledged; used to concede a point before qualifying it.
candid
Means honest, direct, and unguarded in expression.
Test admittedly in Context
The writer acknowledges a limitation before defending the study’s value.
1
___, the sample is small; nevertheless, its demographic range makes it useful for this preliminary study.