Adverb Clauses of Concession – Examples With Answers

The art of expressing contrast while maintaining logical flow in English requires mastery of adverb clauses of concession. These sophisticated grammatical structures allow writers and speakers to acknowledge opposing viewpoints while asserting their main arguments, creating nuanced and compelling communication.

Understanding the Basics

An adverb clause of concession is a dependent clause that expresses a contrast or unexpected relationship between two ideas in a sentence[1]. These clauses serve to admit something that appears to contradict or contrast with the main clause, yet the main idea remains valid despite this opposition[2].

Core Components

The structure of a concessive clause relies on specific subordinating conjunctions that signal the contrasting relationship:

Conjunction	Usage Level	Common Context
Although	Formal	Academic writing
Though	Casual	Everyday speech
Even though	Emphatic	Strong contrast
While	Neutral	General use
Whereas	Formal	Comparison

Formation and Structure

To form an adverb clause of concession, follow this basic pattern:

Subordinating conjunction + Subject + Verb + (Complement), followed by the main clause[3]. For example:

• Although she was exhausted, she continued working[1].
• Even though the price was high, they decided to buy the house[2].

Key Functions

The primary purposes of concessive clauses include:

• Acknowledging opposing viewpoints
• Presenting unexpected relationships
• Strengthening arguments through contrast
• Creating sophisticated sentence structures[4]

Advanced Usage and Applications

Understanding how to effectively employ concessive clauses enhances both written and spoken communication. This section explores sophisticated applications and common patterns that elevate language proficiency.

Position Flexibility

Concessive clauses demonstrate remarkable flexibility in sentence positioning:

Position	Example	Effect
Initial	Although it was raining, we went hiking	Emphasizes the contrast
Final	We went hiking, although it was raining	Adds afterthought
Mid-sentence	The team, although inexperienced, won the championship	Creates dramatic pause

Complex Patterns

Advanced concessive structures often combine with other elements:

Double Concession

• Even though he studied hard and although he was well-prepared, he didn’t pass the exam.
• Despite the rain and although it was cold, they enjoyed their vacation.

Concession with Condition

• Although you might be tired, if you persist, you’ll succeed.
• Even if you practice daily, though you’re a beginner, improvement takes time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Several pitfalls often trap learners when using concessive clauses:

1. Incorrect Conjunction Combinations

• ❌ Although…but (redundant contrast)
• ✓ Although…still (acceptable emphasis)

1. Tense Agreement Issues

• ❌ Although he studies hard, he didn’t pass
• ✓ Although he studied hard, he didn’t pass

1. Punctuation Errors

• ❌ Although, he was late he attended the meeting
• ✓ Although he was late, he attended the meeting

Practical Examples and Pattern Recognition

Understanding concessive clauses becomes clearer through pattern analysis and practical examples. Let’s explore various patterns and their effective usage.

Essential Patterns

Here are the most common patterns for concessive clauses:

Pattern Type	Structure	Example
Basic	Although + subject + verb	Although it rained, we enjoyed the picnic[1]
Emphatic	Even though + subject + verb	Even though he was injured, he finished the race[4]
Contrast	While/Whereas + subject + verb	While she excels at math, her brother prefers art[3]

Real-World Applications

Concessive clauses appear frequently in:

Academic Writing

• Although the initial results were promising, further research is needed.
• Despite the limitations of the study, the findings remain significant.

Business Communication

• While we value your proposal, we have decided to go in a different direction.
• Although the deadline is tight, we can complete the project.

Common Usage Patterns

The effectiveness of concessive clauses depends on proper placement and context:

Initial Position

Although + concession , + main statement
Though the price was high, the quality justified it.

Final Position

Main statement + , + although + concession
The team succeeded, although they faced many challenges.

Exercises and Practical Applications

Let’s strengthen understanding through structured practice and real-world applications. This section provides comprehensive exercises and examples to master concessive clauses.

Exercise Set 1: Basic Transformation

Convert these simple sentences into complex sentences using concessive clauses:

Simple Sentences	Concessive Version
He was tired. He kept working.	Although he was tired, he kept working.
It was expensive. They bought it.	Even though it was expensive, they bought it.
She’s young. She’s very wise.	Though she’s young, she’s very wise.

Exercise Set 2: Sentence Combining

Practice combining sentences using different concessive conjunctions:

Original Pairs:

1. The weather was terrible.
   The event was successful.

Solutions:

• Although the weather was terrible, the event was successful.
• The event was successful, even though the weather was terrible.
• Despite the terrible weather, the event was successful.

Exercise Set 3: Context-Based Applications

Professional Context

Situation: Writing a business email
Task: Express rejection while maintaining politeness

Template:
Although your qualifications are impressive, we have decided to proceed with another candidate.

Academic Context

Situation: Writing a research paper
Task: Acknowledge limitations

Template:
While this study provides valuable insights, several limitations should be noted.

Advanced Examples and Complex Structures

This section explores sophisticated applications of concessive clauses in various contexts, demonstrating how they can enhance communication effectiveness.

Advanced Combinations

Multiple Concessions in One Sentence

Although + First Concession + and + though + Second Concession + , + Main Statement

Examples:

• Although she lacked experience and though she was nervous, she delivered an excellent presentation[1].
• Even though the budget was limited and while resources were scarce, the project succeeded[2].

Professional Writing Applications

Academic Writing Patterns

Context	Structure	Example
Research Papers	Despite + limitation + finding	Despite methodological limitations, the results were significant
Literature Review	While + previous research + new insight	While previous studies focused on X, this research reveals Y
Critical Analysis	Although + counterargument + main argument	Although critics argue otherwise, the evidence supports…

Creative Applications

Literary Devices

• Dramatic contrast: Though darkness surrounded them, hope remained alive
• Character development: Although she feared heights, she climbed the mountain
• Plot advancement: Even though the odds seemed impossible, they persisted

Contextual Variations

Different situations require different approaches to concessive clauses[3]:

Formal Writing

• Whereas the previous model showed limitations…
• Notwithstanding the challenges encountered…

Casual Communication

• Though it’s expensive…
• Even if it takes longer…

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common Questions About Concessive Clauses

Q1: What’s the difference between ‘although’ and ‘even though’?

• ‘Although’ is more formal and neutral
• ‘Even though’ adds emphasis and indicates a stronger contrast
• Both are grammatically interchangeable in most contexts

Q2: Can I use ‘but’ after ‘although’?

• No, using ‘but’ after ‘although’ is redundant
• Correct: Although it rained, we went out
• Incorrect: Although it rained, but we went out

Q3: When should I use a comma with concessive clauses?

Rule: Use a comma when the concessive clause comes first
- Although it was late, we continued working (✓)
- We continued working although it was late (no comma needed)

Conclusion

Key Takeaways

Mastering adverb clauses of concession enables:

• More sophisticated expression of ideas
• Better handling of contrasting information
• Enhanced academic and professional writing
• More nuanced communication

Best Practices Summary

Aspect	Recommendation
Formal Writing	Use although, whereas, notwithstanding
Casual Speech	Use though, even though
Punctuation	Comma after initial concessive clause
Structure	Maintain clear logical connection

Citations:
[1] https://leverageedu.com/explore/learn-english/adverb-clause-of-concession/
[2] https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/english/rhetoric/adverbial-clause/
[3] https://www.98thpercentile.com/blog/adverb-clauses/
[4] https://www.englishgrammar.org/adverb-clause-concession-supposition/
[5] https://www.academia.edu/35318673/Adverb_Clause_of_Contrast_Concession
[6] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357405574_Complexity_in_Syntax_with_the_Use_of_an_Adverbial_Clause_of_Concession