Basic notes about expressing concession
A concession is a fact of having two contrasting ideas or clauses in the same sentence. In expressing concession, we use expressions such as although, even though, but, despite, etc. at the beginning of the clause which contrasts with the main clause.
Some of these expressions are followed by a clause (i.e., subject+verb), while others are followed by a noun or gerund. These two cases are illustrated in the two tables below.
Expressions followed by a clause
| Expression | Example |
| Although | – Although the car is old, it is still reliable. – The car is still reliable although it is old. |
| Though | – Though the car is old, it is still reliable. – The car is still reliable though it is old. |
| Even though | Even though the car is old, it is still reliable. |
| In spite of the fact that | – The students could study for their test, In spite of the fact that there was a lot of noise. – In spite of the fact that there was a lot of noise, the students could study for their test. |
| Despite the fact that | – Despite the fact that there was a lot of noise. – the students could study for their test, Despite the fact that there was a lot of noise . |
| However | – There was a lot of noise. However, the students could study very well. |
| Nevertheless | – There was a lot of noise. Nevertheless, the students could study very well. |
| Nonetheless | – There was a lot of noise. Nonetheless, the students could study very well. |
| But | – Fayssal is very rich, but his friends are extremely poor. |
| while | – Fayssal is very rich, while his friends are extremely poor. |
| whereas | – Fayssal is very rich, whereas his friends are extremely poor. |
Expressions followed by a noun
| Expression | Example |
| In spite of | – In spite of the noise, the students could study for their test. – The students could study for their test, in spite of the noise |
| Despite | – Despite the noise, the students could study for their test. – The students could study for their test, despite the noise |
| Notwithstanding | – Notwithstanding the bad weather, we went shopping. – We went shopping, notwithstanding the bad weather |
Practice
Exercise 1
Link the following sentences with these conjunctions
however, but, though, or although
- She is handicapped. She took part in the marathon.
- He smoked, drank, and never exercised. He lived to be 90.
- John felt sick. He went out to work.
- Thousands of pupils are leaving school. There are no jobs for them.
Exercise 2
Rewrite the following sentences using in spite of
- Although she was an accountant, she never seems to have any money.
- Although he lost a lot of blood, he is in stable condition.
- Although she had a bad cough, she was able to sing in the choir.
Exercise 3
Rewrite the following sentences using despite
- Although she was successful, she felt dissatisfied.
- Although Patrick was ill, he still came to the meeting.
- Although he promised that he wouldn’t be late, he didn’t arrive until 9 o’clock
Exercise 4
Rewrite the following sentences using the words between parentheses
- Despite my warning not to do it, they went on buying useless items. (But)
- Despite being rich, he isn’t very happy. (Even though)
- In spite of my problems, I can live with dignity. (Although)
