2. When discussing different points of view, you can use
certain adverb clauses to say that you understand an idea,
and show that while it is true, it is less important than the
idea in the main clause. For example:
Although he’s rich, he’s not generous.
Adverb clauses of concession
The idea in the main clause
…he’s not generous.
is the main point you are trying to make.
3. These are some common subordinators of concession:
Although
Even though
Though
While
Despite the fact that
Subordinators of Concession
4. Although it is possible to occasionally get a good grade on a
test by guessing, people who get good grades study very hard.
(Argument = You really have to work hard to get good grades.)
While the recent violence in Taipei is troubling, Taiwan
remains one of the safest places in the world.
(Argument = Taiwan really is a safe place.)
Examples
5. Consider these two ideas about the food in the school cafeteria:
It’s cheap and convenient.
It pretty much sucks.
Depending on your point of view, one idea will be your argument,
while the other will be the counterargument that you will refute.
Despite the fact that it’s cheap and convenient, the food in the
cafeteria pretty much sucks. (Argument = the food sucks)
Despite the fact that it pretty much sucks, the food in the
cafeteria is cheap and convenient. (Argument = it’s cheap and
convenient)
Which side are you on?
6. Look again at the sentences – notice that the subject is
placed in the main clause.
Despite the fact that it’s cheap and convenient, the food in the
cafeteria pretty much sucks. (Argument = the food sucks)
Despite the fact that it pretty much sucks, the food in the cafeteria
is cheap and convenient. (Argument = it’s cheap and convenient)
It’s best to put the subject in the
main clause
