Unit 5 Clauses of Concession

Clauses of concession (yielding) show a contrast between two ideas. They are introduced by although, even though, though, despite, or in spite of,

Despite/in spite of: These are prepositions which can be used interchangeably. They mean the same as although, etc.; however, the grammar is different. They can go at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence.

despite + noun phrase in spite of

Despite his physical handicap, he has become a successful businessman.

In spite of his physical handicap, he has become a successful businessman.

Jane will be admitted to the university despite her bad grades.

Jane will be admitted to the university in spite of her bad grades.

Although /even though/though: These are subordinate conjunctions used to connect two clauses. Notice how the grammar is different from that of despite and in spite of.

although even though + subject + verb + (complement) though

Although he has a physical handicap, he has become a successful businessman.

Jane will be admitted to the university even though she has bad grades.

Additional examples of clauses of concession:

In spite of the bad weather we are going to have a picnic.

noun phrase

The child ate the cookie even though his mother had told him not to.

subject + verb

Although the weather was very bad, we had a picnic.

subject + verb

The committee voted to ratify the amendment despite the objections.

noun phrase

Though he had not finished the paper, he went to sleep.

subject + verb

She attended the class although she did not feel alert.

subject + verb

Task 1 Clauses of Concession

Change these sentences to incorporate the expressions in brackets.

1. Despite her dislike for coffee, she drank it to keep herself warm. (although)

2. Mary will take a plane, even though she dislikes flying. (in spite of)

3. In spite of Marcy's sadness at losing the contest, she managed to smile. (although)

4. We took many pictures though the sky was cloudy, (despite)

5. Despite her poor memory, the old woman told interesting stories to the children, (even though)

6. Though he has been absent frequently, he has managed to pass the test. (in spite of)

7. Nancy told me the secret, despite having promised not to do so. (though)

8. We plan to buy a ticket for the drawing although we know we will not win a prize. (even though)

9. In spite of the high prices, my daughters insist on going to the movies every Saturday, (even though)

10. He ate the chocolate cake even though he is on a diet. (in spite of)

Keys Unit I Task 1

1. b

2. a

3. b

4. a

5. c

6. b

7. b

8. a

9. c

10. a

11. c

12. c

13. b

14. a

15. a

16. b

17. c

18. b

19. a

20. b

21. c

22. a

23. a

24. c

25. b

26. a

27. b

28. a

29. a

30. b

31. c

32. c

33. a

34. b

35. a

36. a

37. b

38. b

39. c

40. b

41. b

42. a

43. c

44. a

45. b

46. b

47. c

48. b

49. c

50. b

51. a

52. b

53. b

54. a

55. c

56. b

57. a

58. b

59. a

60. b

61. a

62. b

63. c

64. c

65. b

66. a

67. b

68. c

69. c

70. a

71. c

72. a

73. c

74. b

75. a

76. b

77. c

78. b

79. c

80. c

81. c

82. c

83. b

84. a

85. b

86. c

87. a

88. c

89. a

90. c

91. b

92. c

93. b

94. b

95. a

96. b

97. c

98. b

99. c

100. a

101. c

102. b

103. c

104. a

105. b

106. c

107. b

108. b

109. c

110. c

111. b

112. c

113. c

114. b

115. b

116. b

117. b

118. c

119. a

120. b