Complex concession structures
A concessive sentence recognises a fact or argument that might seem to conflict with the main point. Although the evidence is limited, the pattern is consistent accepts a limitation and then states why the pattern still matters. The concession does not cancel the main clause; it helps the writer present a balanced argument.
Pick the structure that fits the words after it
Use although, though or even though before a full clause:
Although the route was longer, we arrived first.
Even though the price rose, demand remained strong.
Even though often gives the contrast more force or surprise. Though is common in conversation and can appear at the end: The design is attractive. It is expensive, though.
Use despite or in spite of before a noun phrase, pronoun or -ing form:
Despite the delay, the team finished on time.
In spite of feeling unwell, she chaired the meeting.
To place a full clause after them, add the fact that: Despite the fact that the deadline was tight, the team delivered on time. This is grammatical but often longer than Although the deadline was tight... Do not put a bare finite clause directly after despite: Despite the deadline was tight.
More compact and more formal concessions
However + adjective/adverb + subject + verb means “no matter how”:
However carefully we planned, delays still occurred.
However expensive the equipment is, it will not solve the underlying problem.
This differs from sentence adverb however, meaning “nevertheless”: The equipment is expensive. However, it is reliable. Punctuation and word order reveal which use you are reading.
Whatever, whoever, wherever and no matter what/who/where can also introduce concessions: Whatever the final cost, we must complete the repairs; No matter how carefully you label the files, someone may still misplace one.
In formal or literary English, a phrase can be fronted before as or though:
Tired though she was, she continued the presentation.
Strange as it may seem, the older method is more reliable.
Try as I might, I could not open the jar.
In the first two, an adjective comes before the subject and verb. In the last, the base verb try is fronted: the meaning is “although I tried”. These patterns are marked in style, so use them when they fit the voice rather than inserting them into ordinary conversation.
Much as means “although I very much…”: Much as I admire the proposal, I cannot support its cost. It often introduces a personal concession.
Concession is not simple contrast
Although presents one fact as surprising in light of the other. Whereas and while can simply compare two situations: The first group preferred mornings, whereas the second preferred evenings. They do not necessarily suggest that one result is unexpected.
Avoid using two concessive markers for the same relationship: Although the plan is expensive, but we support it. Write Although the plan is expensive, we support it or The plan is expensive, but we support it.
For clear argument, place the concession where it best guides the reader. Opening with Although the sample is small gives the limitation first; adding although the sample is small at the end can make the main conclusion more prominent. The grammar is the same, but the information emphasis changes.
Even though versus even if
Even though presents a situation as real or accepted; even if asks the reader to imagine a condition, whether or not it becomes true:
Even though the forecast was poor, the event went ahead.
The forecast was poor.
Even if the forecast is poor, the event will go ahead.
The weather is not yet known; the decision applies either way.
This difference matters in argument. Even though the sample is small, the finding is useful concedes a known limitation. Even if the sample is small, the finding may be useful treats the limitation as a possibility or makes the conclusion independent of it.
After despite/in spite of, use a noun phrase or gerund: despite the uncertainty, despite being uncertain. If the subject should be explicit, use a possessive or an -ing clause: Despite the team’s having limited time, it completed the review is grammatical but formal; Although the team had limited time... is usually clearer. Do not force a heavy noun phrase simply to avoid although.
While can introduce a concession—While the model is useful, it has limitations—or a neutral contrast—The north office opens at eight, while the south office opens at nine. The first means “although”; the second compares facts. Whereas usually makes the comparison explicit and does not normally imply surprise.
The order of clauses can also control emphasis. Although the route was longer, we arrived first puts the concession up front. We arrived first, although the route was longer foregrounds the result. In both versions the relationship is concessive; the reader’s first focus changes.
Sources
Try this structure in a short practice set with instant feedback.
Start practice