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Concessive clauses: Structure, usage and exercises with answers

What are concessive clauses? How do they differ from contrast clauses? Let's explore concessive clauses in English together through examples and exercises with answers below!

I. What is a concessive clause?
II. Some concessive clause structures in English
III. Distinguish between contrast clauses and concessive clauses
IV. Concessive clauses exercises with answers
1. 1. Exercises
2. 2. Answer
V. Transform Your Weaknesses Into Strengths

I. What is a concessive clause?

What is a concessive clause? Concessive Clause is a subordinate clause that refers to a situation that contrasts with the one described in the main clause. For example:

Although Robert is quiet, he is not shy. ⏩ “Although Robert is quiet” is a concessive clause, opposing the main clause “he is not shy” in the sentence.
Whatever you have done, I always stand by you. ⏩ “Whatever you have done” is a concessive clause, opposing the main clause “I always stand by you” in the sentence.

II. Some concessive clause structures in English

Let's examine 5 common concessive clause structures in English!

1. Concessive clauses with Although, Even though, Although

The table below outlines the concessive clause structure using Although, Even though, Though:

Although

Even though

Though

Structure

Although + S + V, S +V
S + V although S + V.

Even though + S + V, S +V.
S + V even though S + V.

Though + S + V, S +V.
S + V though S + V.
S + V. S + V, though.

Example

Although it is raining heavily, the sunlight is shining.

Marry decided to move to Thailand even though she had never been there before.

Although the restaurant is beautifully decorated, the food is terrible.

This phone is very expensive. John really wants it, though.

2. Concessive clauses with In spite of, despite

The table below outlines the structure of concessive clauses using In spite of and Despite, specifically:

	In spite of	Despite
Structure	In spite of + Noun/V-ing, S + V. S + V in spite of Noun / Ving.	Despite + Noun/V-ing, S + V. S + V despite Noun/ Ving.
Example	In spite of his injury, Alex will still play in Sunday's match.	I still enjoyed the weekend despite the bad weather.

3. Concessive clauses with WH-ever

How are concessive clauses with WH-ever used? Check out the structure and some examples below!

Structure:

WH-ever + Subject 1 (S1) + Verb 1 (V1), S2 + V2

or

WH-ever + Noun, S + V

For example:

Whatever the outcome of the war, there will be no winners.
Whenever I have free time, I go to sleep.

4. Concessive clauses with No matter

Let's learn and remember the structure and usage of concessive clauses with No Matter by reviewing the content below!

Structure:

No matter + WH-word + S1 + V1, S2 + V2.

For example:

No matter how hard John tried, he failed the exam.
No matter how long it takes, I still try to reach my dream.

5. Concessive clauses with However

To remember the formula and usage of English concessive clauses with "However", familiarize yourself with the following structure and examples below:

Structure:

However + Adjective/ Adverb + S1 + (may) + V1, S2 + V2.

For example:

However hungry I am, I never finished the whole big pizza.
However tired he was, Max continued working on his project all night.

Some concessive clause structures in English

III. Distinguish between contrast clauses and concessive clauses

What are the differences between contrast and concessive clauses in English? Let's quickly find out with PREP below!

	Contrast clause	Concessive clause
Usage	Compare two people or two things with each other to highlight the clear contrast or difference between the two sides.	Implicitly acknowledge that something can still occur even though a contrasting or opposing factor exists, often containing an unexpected element.
Example	My sister likes going out, while I only enjoy staying at home.	Although it was raining, I still decided to go for a run.

Distinguish between contrast clauses and concessive clauses

IV. Concessive clauses exercises with answers

Let's learn more about concessive clauses with PREP through the exercises below!

1. Exercises

Exercise 1: Tick✅ into the corresponding column:

	Contrast clause	Concessive clause
Sunny has blonde hair, but her sister’s hair is black.
Although Maria originally wanted to become a singer, she finally decided on a career in science.
This project is fraught with problems. Nevertheless, I think we should go ahead with it.
Jin’s idea would be quite expensive. Maria's, however, sounds relatively cheap.
In spite of the crisis, this sector of the economy has been doing quite well.
The South of England is relatively flat. The North, on the other hand, is much hillier.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

_______it was raining, they decided to go for a picnic.
1. Although
2. Despite
3. In spite of
_______being tired, Alan finished her assignment.
1. Although
2. Even though
3. Despite
Alex went to the party, _______he wasn't invited.
1. despite
2. even though
3. in spite of
Fiona passed the exam, _______she didn't study much.
1. Despite
2. Although
3. In spite of
They decided to buy the house, _______it was over their budget.
1. despite
2. eathough
3. in spite of

2. Answer

Exercise 1:

	Contrast clause	Concessive clause
Sunny has blonde hair, but her sister's hair is black.	✅
Although Maria originally wanted to become a singer, she finally decided on a career in science.		✅
This project is fraught with problems. Nevertheless, I think we should go ahead with it.		✅
Jin’s idea would be quite expensive. Maria's, however, sounds relatively cheap.	✅
In spite of the crisis, this sector of the economy has been doing quite well.		✅
The South of England is relatively flat. The North, on the other hand, is much hillier.	✅

Exercise 2:

V. Transform Your Weaknesses Into Strengths

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