Unit 9.1
Concessive Clauses – 2
Introduction
A concessive clause is usually a subordinate clause that expresses a contrast with the concept formulated in the main clause.
Form
Concessive clause usually follow the concessive conjunctions even if, in spite of/despite of, notwithstanding, whereas, while and yet.
The positions of a concessive clause in the sentence are:
Main clause + Concessive Conjunction + Concessive Clause
Concessive Conjunction + Concessive Clause + Comma (,) + Main clause
Example
- They want to learn how to bake brownies even if it is complicated.
- We went for tapas in spite of/despite the rain.
- She ate the meal notwithstanding its horrible taste.
- I prefer light meals whereas my dad prefers heavy meals.
- He ate fried fish while his wife ate grilled chicken.
- Her suggestion for a group game was interesting, yet nobody had the energy to participate.
Use
We use concessive clauses to show a contrast between two events or situations.
Before concessive clauses, we use the conjunctions:
- Even if, meaning without being influenced by;
- In spite of/despite of, meaning without being affected by;
- Notwithstanding, meaning without being determined by;
- Whereas, meaning compared with the fact that;
- While, meaning during the time an event occurs;
- Yet, meaning still, until now (present time).
NOTE: Usually, after the first situation, the second situation is unexpected.
Summary
Concessive clauses are subordinate clauses which express a contrast with the concept formulated in the main clause.
Concessive clause usually follow the concessive conjunctions even if, in spite of/despite of, notwithstanding, whereas, while and yet.
We start with the main clause followed by a concessive conjuction and a concessive clause (we don’t use a comma here). We can also start with a concessive conjuction followed by a concessive clause, a comma and the main clause.
For example:
— “I had to go to work even though I was sick.” = I was sick but I had to go to work anyway.
Let’s revise this content within the {Form} section. Take a look at the {Example} section that shows its use within a context.