Concession and contrast
Concede a point and contrast ideas like an advanced writer: admittedly, while, nevertheless, even so, much as, albeit.
In this lesson you will
- Use concession language to acknowledge the other side
- Use nevertheless, even so, nonetheless
- Use while, whereas, much as and albeit
Learn
Concession = admitting something before making your main point: *Admittedly, the plan is expensive. Nevertheless, it’s worth it.*
Sentence linkers: However, Nevertheless, Nonetheless, Even so, That said, On the other hand (new sentence + comma).
Clause linkers: although, even though, while, whereas, despite / in spite of (the fact that). *While I understand your concerns, I still disagree.*
Advanced: *Much as I like him, I can’t trust him* (= although I like him a lot). *Albeit + adjective/adverb/phrase: The change was positive, albeit slow.*
Examples
- Admittedly, the results were disappointing. Even so, we learned a lot.
- While some people enjoy city life, others find it exhausting.
- Much as I’d love to come, I have to work.
- The project succeeded, albeit six months late.
Vocabulary
concede
admit something is true
admittedly
it must be admitted that
nevertheless
despite that
albeit
although (formal)
much as
although very much
Practice
The hotel was expensive. ___, it was worth every penny.
Speaking
Argue for a position (e.g. a four-day week) while conceding two points to the other side. Use admittedly, while, nevertheless and that said.
Writing
Write a balanced paragraph (120–150 words) on tourism’s effect on a city, using at least five concession/contrast devices.
Lesson quiz
___ I appreciate your help, I can manage alone.
Review
Key points
- Concede: admittedly, it’s true that…
- Contrast linkers: nevertheless, even so, that said.
- Clauses: while, whereas, much as.
- albeit + phrase.
What you learned
- ✓ I can concede points.
- ✓ I use advanced contrast linkers.
- ✓ My arguments sound balanced.
Grammar reference: Conjunctions and linking words