Concession Linking Words: Introducing the Fact Flashcards
Learn some not very common (but highly advanced) linking words. Excellent for the writing part of the CAE. The following words and phrases are concession linkers: adjective + though / as, all the same, although, and yet, but, despite, even so, even though, for all, however, in spite of, might ... but, much as, nevertheless, nonetheless, though. Concession linking words and phrases join a fact and a surprise that is related to that fact. e.g. Although they don't earn very much (fact), they st
adjective + though / as + subject + verb
(formal) this structure starts a sentence
e. g. Crazy though it sounds, I think he actually enjoys being hounded by the press.
although / even though + clause
the second part of the sentence often includes the word still
e.g. Although / even though he tried hard, he still didn’t succeed.
despite / in spite of
1) (my / his / her / our, etc + ing form)
2) + noun [Note: sometimes despite / in spite of is followed by “this”, referring to the previous sentence]
3) + the fact that + clause
e.g. Despite / In spite of his having a lot of experience, they decided not to offer him the post.
Despite / In spite of gaining straight A’s in all his exams, he was unable to get a place at university.
Despite the terrible weather, we decided to go ahead with the match.
He was well-qualified and highly experienced. Despite this, he found it difficult to get a job.
We have decided to continue showing the programme, despite the fact that we have received a great many complaints about it.
for all + (my / his / her etc) + noun
generally starts a sentence
e.g. For all the mayhem and misery that war causes, there are many people who believe it is necessary.
might … but …
“might” appears in the fact part of the concession sentence, whilst “but” introduces the surprise; for past tense sentences you must use “might + have + past participle”; this structure is particularly common in spoken English
e.g. He might be 93, but he still jogs around the park every day.
She might have been well-prepared, but she still didn’t pass the exam.
much as + clause
although; generally starts a sentence [Note: is only used with certain verbs: “admire, appreciate, respect, sympathise, would like,” and verbs of “liking (detest, love, etc)”
e.g. Much as I sympathise with your problems, I’m afraid that there is nothing I can do to help you.
Much as I like his music, I would never go to one of his concerts.
though + clause
“though” can also be used at the end of the surprise part of a concession sentence (this usage is common in spoken English)
e.g. Though she was the best candidate, she didn’t get the job.
She was the best candidate. She didn’t get the job, though.
but nonetheless
The most common way of introducing the surprise part of a concession sentence is with the word “but”. Sometimes other words are added to it: “but … still, but all the same, but even so, nevertheless, but nonetheless”
e.g. She knew the truth, but (nonetheless) she didn’t say anything.
