Attachments_setltd@mail.ru_2012-06-24_15-33-11 английский язык / 40 subordinate clauses of adverbial positions

although though even though even if

while whereas granted that whatever

wherever whichever whoever not that

considering (that) whether … or in spite of the fact that despite the fact that

much as whenever however (good) no matter (what)

However is used as a conjunction when it means "no matter how", or when it comes before an adjective or adverb to mean "no matter to what extent/degree". Concessive clauses are loosely connected with the main clause; therefore, they are always punctuated. They can precede, interrupt or follow the main clause:

Much as I respect him, I never turn to him for advice.

However far it is, I intend to drive there tonight.

You can't know everything, however brilliant you are.

While I disapprove of what you say, I would defend to the death your right to say it.

Granted that Professor Green's course is very difficult, it has always attracted large student audiences.

Beautiful though the necklace was, we didn't buy it.

Whoever was responsible, it was not the poor pedestrian.

Wherever you met her, it was not in my house.

I'm going to go swimming tomorrow, whether or not it is cold.

Whereas he should have gone to the police at once, he didn't do so.

He is quite agile, considering that he is very old.

2. In a formal style, adverbial clauses of concession can be joined asyndetically, with inversion and the present subjunctive of the verb be:

These exceptions, be they many or few, cannot be overlooked by a careful scholar.

Syndetically joined concessive clauses with the present subjunctive are also found in a formal style:

Whatever be the reason for it, they conceal the facts.

3. The structure of concessive clauses is highly varied. For example, the sentence Although he is a good athlete and tries hard, he will never win the Olympics could be re-worded in the following ways:

Good as he is, he will never win the Olympics.

Try as he may /might I does /will, he will never... .

However hard-working he is, he will never... .

However hard he tries, he will never... .

However he tries (informal), he will never...

4. A concessive clause has inverted order if it opens with a predicative followed by the conjunctions as or though:

Handsome as /though he was, nobody liked him.

In this kind of structure as has a concessive meaning, as distinct from clauses of reason, where as retains its causal meaning whether the word order is inverted or not. Cf.:

Tired as she was/As she was tired, I didn't like to disturb her. (an adverbial clause of reason)

Tired as she was, she went on typing, (an adverbial clause of concession)

A concessive meaning can be conveyed by when- and where-clauses, structurally resembling adverbial clauses of time and place, respectively. This is particularly evident if the subordinate clause is preceded by even:

Our teacher always has a word of praise for everyone, even where the essay is not quite up to the mark.

Why should we make allowances for his lack of expertise when the work of others is expected to be of the highest standard?

If only combines with because to impart an added meaning of concession to adverbial clauses of reason:

Fitzgerald's early stories should not be disregarded, if only because they reflect the author's personal experiences.

5. Adverbial clauses of concession are found in a number of idiomatic expressions:

Come what may, the mail will get delivered.

I'll be there tomorrow, come hell or high water. (informal)

Be that as it may, all this is part of modern commercial life. (formal)