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 conjunctons although, even though or though.
The positions of a concessive clause in a sentence are:
Main clause + Concessive Conjunction + Concessive Clause
Concessive Conjunction + Concessive Clause + comma (,) + Main Clause
NOTE: We cannot use though at the beginning of a sentence.
Example
- This is a modern city although it has many historical monuments.
Although this is a modern city, it has many historical monuments. - This is a university city even though you can see many old people here.
Even though this is a university city, you can see many old people here. - The essay was interesting, though she got a low mark.
Use
We use although, even though and though to express the opposite idea to what is stated in the main clause. They all mean: despite the fact that, in spite of the fact that.
Summary
Concessive clauses are subordinate clauses which express a contrast with the concept formulated in the main clause.
Concessive clauses usually follow the concessive conjunctons although, even though or though. They all mean: despite the fact that, in spite of the fact that.
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 don’t like fish although I will try this food.” / “Although I don’t like fish, I will try this food.” = The fact that I will try this food is in contrast with the fact that I don’t like fish.
Let’s revise this content within the {Form} section. And take a look to the {Example} that show its use within a context.