In everyday conversations in Vietnamese, you may often use the phrase “Although... but...” to express contrast. In English, this is referred to as the Clause of Concession, a grammar point used to indicate contrast between ideas or actions. While this structure is not overly complicated, it requires a clear understanding of concessive phrases and clauses to apply them correctly.
In this article, IDP IELTS will walk you through the Clause of Concession in detail, including common patterns and examples. Don’t forget to check your understanding with the exercises at the end of the article.
1. What Is a Clause of Concession?
A Clause of Concession is a dependent clause used to express contrast between two actions or statements in a sentence. It can appear at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of a sentence and is always separated from the main clause with a comma.
Concessive clauses often begin with subordinating conjunctions like however, although, though, even though, despite, in spite of, etc. Note that you should not use "but" when a concessive adverb is already present.
2. Common Structures of Clauses of Concession
2.1. Although / Though / Even though + Clause
When placed at the beginning of the sentence, these are followed by a comma.
Structure: Although / Though / Even though + S + V, S + V
Examples:
Although she is young, she is very independent.
I kept struggling forward, even though I knew it was hopeless.
When used in the middle of the sentence, the subject can be omitted, followed by a participle (V-ing for active, V-ed/V3 for passive).
Structure: S, although / though / even though + V-ing / V-ed / V3, V
Examples:
He, although working hard this year, still needs to improve.
This building, although built recently, needs repair.
At the end of the sentence:
Structure: S + V, although / though / even though + S + V
Examples:
We played well, although we lost the match.
We feared for her safety although we did not show it.
2.2. However + Clause
Structure: S + V. However, S + V
Examples:
This is a simple process. However, there are risks.
Most people dream of perfect love. However, the truth is different.
In mid-sentence:
Structure: S + V. S, however, V
Examples:
Few guitarists can both sing and play well. Eddie, however, is an exception.
It is a tough decision. It is, however, necessary.
2.3. Notwithstanding + Noun / Clause
At the beginning of the sentence:
Structure: Notwithstanding + Noun / the fact that + S + V, S + V
Examples:
Notwithstanding the objections, we will proceed.
Notwithstanding the bad weather, the ship arrived on time.
In mid-sentence:
Structure: Noun + notwithstanding, S + V
Example:
Some financial issues notwithstanding, she invested in the project.
2.4. Despite / In spite of + Noun / V-ing / Clause
At the beginning:
Structure: Despite / In spite of + Noun / V-ing / the fact that + S + V, S + V
Examples:
Despite her age, she is full of energy.
In spite of the strong start, the team lost.
In mid-sentence:
Structure: S + V, despite / in spite of + Noun / V-ing / the fact that + S + V
Examples:
I was sweating a lot, despite the air-conditioning.
I like him in spite of his flaws.
2.5. Nevertheless + Clause
Similar to "however," this links two contrasting ideas.
Structure: S + V. Nevertheless, S + V
Examples:
There was no news. Nevertheless, we remained hopeful.
Success is uncertain. Nevertheless, we must try.
Alternatively, it may appear at the end of the sentence:
Structure: S + V, but S + V nevertheless
Examples:
We expected to lose but were disappointed nevertheless.
I knew the topic well, but her talk was interesting nevertheless.
2.6. No matter + Wh-word + Clause
Structure: No matter what / who / where / when / why + S + V, S + V
Examples:
No matter what your age, you can lose weight.
No matter what happens, you should not give up.
2.7. In any case + Clause
Structure: S + V, but in any case S + V
Examples:
He was a bit deaf, but in any case, he liked it that way.
No one was bitten, but in any case the spider is not poisonous.
3. Clause of Concession Exercises
Exercise 1: Complete the sentences using Although, Despite, In spite of. Two answers may be correct in some sentences.
__________ the story was good, I did not like the actor.
I went to the cinema __________ feeling tired.
I enjoyed Harry Potter __________ my friends disliked it.
__________ careful preparation, they had problems filming.
__________ the film was gripping, Jack fell asleep.
__________ she looks good, no one likes her.
Jane rarely sees Jim __________ they work together.
__________ her illness, Jane went to school.
__________ it was cold, we went on a picnic.
__________ working hard, Peter failed the exam.
Exercise 2: Rewrite the sentences using the given phrases
I could not sleep. I was very tired. (despite) → ..........................................................................................
They have little money. They are happy. (in spite of) → ..........................................................................................
My foot was injured. I walked to the village. (although) → ..........................................................................................
I enjoyed the film. The story was silly. (in spite of) → ..........................................................................................
We live on the same street. We rarely meet. (despite) → ..........................................................................................
I was outside for 5 minutes. I got very wet. (even though) → ..........................................................................................
Answer Key
Exercise 1
Although
Despite / In spite of
Although
Despite / In spite of
Although
Although
Although
Despite / In spite of
Although
Despite / In spite of
Exercise 2
I could not sleep despite being very tired.
In spite of having little money, they are happy.
Although my foot was injured, I walked to the village.
I enjoyed the film in spite of the silly story.
Despite living on the same street, we rarely see each other.
Even though I was only out for five minutes, I got very wet.
Master the Clause of Concession with IDP
We hope this article has helped you better understand how to use the Clause of Concession in English. Though this grammar point can be challenging, regular practice will help you remember key structures and avoid common mistakes.
Besides using self-study materials, you can also register for free IELTS mock tests at IDP to get familiar with the test format and improve time management. With IDP, you can choose to take the IELTS test on computer based on your learning style and preferences.
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