Concessive Clauses: Although, Whereas, Albeit, Notwithstanding
Quick answer
A concessive clause introduces a fact that contrasts with what we might expect from the main clause: Although it was expensive, we bought it. Words such as although, despite and albeit can express related meanings, but they fit different grammatical patterns.
Although, Though and Even Though
These commonly introduce a clause with a subject and verb: Although he was tired, he continued. / We walked even though it rained. Even though makes the contrast more emphatic.
They are not limited to full clauses. In formal English, reduced patterns are also possible: Although tired, he continued. An -ing clause is possible too: Although being careful, she still made a mistake. The understood subject of these reduced clauses should be clear.
Despite and In Spite Of
Use a noun phrase or an -ing clause: Despite his tiredness, he finished the race. / In spite of feeling tired, he finished the race.
Do not write Despite he was tired. To use those words with a full finite clause, add the fact that: Despite the fact that he was tired, he finished the race. Or write Although he was tired.
Albeit, Notwithstanding and Much As
Albeit is formal and often introduces a short qualification: It worked, albeit slowly. / She accepted, albeit with some doubts. These examples use an adverb and a prepositional phrase. Learn these common patterns without treating them as an exhaustive list of every possible use.
Notwithstanding can introduce a noun phrase in formal writing: Notwithstanding the delay, the project succeeded. It has other uses too. Much as can concede a feeling: Much as I admire her, I disagree with this decision.
Concession or Simple Contrast?
The north is industrial, whereas the south is agricultural. Here whereas contrasts two regions. It does not imply that one fact was unexpected because of the other.
Use the relationship you mean. In Although the evidence is limited, the team continued the study, the first clause presents a possible reason not to continue. The main clause says that the team continued anyway.
Sentence Order and Punctuation
A concessive clause can come first or last: Although it rained, we walked. / We walked although it rained. Both are grammatical. The best order depends on the surrounding paragraph and the point you want to emphasise; one order is not always more persuasive.
Normally put a comma after a concessive clause at the start. A following concessive clause often needs no comma, although a writer may use one to mark a supplementary contrast.
Do not use although and but to mark the two halves of the same construction: ✗ Although it was late, but we stayed. Write ✓ Although it was late, we stayed, or ✓ It was late, but we stayed.
Your Turn — Quick Quiz
Answer five questions. Follow the stated task, then read the explanation for each answer.
1. Which is correct?
2. Complete: “___ his tiredness, he finished the race.”
3. Which sentence uses albeit followed by an adverb?
4. Which sentence shows contrast rather than concession?
5. Identify the concessive clause in “Although the evidence is limited, the team continued the study.”
Keep Going
You have practised concession and contrast. Write one sentence with although and another with despite, choosing a suitable pattern for each.
Next, a different kind of care: talking about the past when you are not certain. He must have missed the train. He can’t have forgotten. And the pair that catches everyone — what exactly is the difference between needn’t have gone and didn’t need to go?
Next lesson: Modal Perfects — Must Have, Can’t Have, Needn’t Have
Sources
Further reference: Cambridge: although and though, including reduced clauses.
Further reference: Merriam-Webster: albeit.
I’m Khamis Maiouf. I’m studying Health and Social Care and have completed Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Level 3 Hairdressing. I have taught ESOL in my community and helped students with GCSE English. I run English Teacher Site to help people learn and practise English.