Introduction
A concessive clause is usually a subordinate clause that expresses a contrast with the concept formulated in the main clause.
Form
Concessive clauses usually follow the concessive conjunctions even if, in spite of/despite of, notwithstanding, whereas, while and yet.
The concessive clause can go before or after the main clause in the following way:
Main clause + concessive conjunction + concessive clause
Concessive conjunction + concessive clause + Comma (,) + main clause
Example
- Even if it is complicated, they want to learn how to bake brownies
- Despite the rain, we went for a walk.
- Notwithstanding its horrible taste, she ate all her meal.
- 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;
- en 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 do not 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.