Concessive Clauses
Concessive clauses are a type of subordinate clause that express a contrast or concession to the main clause of a sentence. They introduce a statement that goes against the expectations or conditions established in the main clause. Concessive clauses are commonly used to show unexpected or surprising information.
Structure of Concessive Clauses
Concessive clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions such as “although,” “even though,” “though,” “despite,” or “in spite of.” These conjunctions indicate the concession being made in the sentence. Here are some examples:
| Conjunction | Example |
|---|---|
| although | Although it rained, we still went for a walk. |
| even though | Even though he studied hard, he failed the exam. |
| though | Though it was expensive, she bought the dress. |
| despite | Despite feeling tired, he continued working. |
| in spite of | In spite of the bad weather, they had a great time. |
In these examples, the concessive clauses are underlined. They provide additional information that contrasts with the main clause.
Usage of Concessive Clauses
Concessive clauses are commonly used to express contradictions, unexpected outcomes, or contrasting ideas. They add complexity to sentences and help convey a more nuanced meaning. Here are some common situations where concessive clauses are used:
- To express unexpected results: Although she studied for hours, she still failed the test.
- To introduce a contrast: He loves playing soccer, even though he’s not very good at it.
- To show a concession: Though he was tired, he finished the project.
- To highlight contradictions: Despite being wealthy, she lived a simple life.
Practice Exercises
Now let’s practice using concessive clauses in sentences. Complete the following sentences by adding an appropriate concessive clause:
- _____________ the traffic, we arrived on time.
- _____________ she had studied, she couldn’t answer the question.
- _____________ his fear of heights, he climbed to the top of the mountain.
- _____________ the noise, he managed to concentrate on his work.
Answers:
- Despite
- Although
- Even though
- In spite of
Understanding concessive clauses is essential for effective communication. By using these clauses, you can express contrasting ideas and provide a deeper understanding of your message. Practice incorporating them into your writing to enhance your language skills.
