B2 : Clauses of Contrasts
Below is a B2 level English grammar lesson about Clauses of Contrasts also known as Concession Clauses. Good luck and enjoy!
A brief Explanation
A clause of contrast (also known as a concessive clause) is a dependent clause that presents information which contrasts with or makes the main clause seem surprising. In essence, it describes a situation that is the opposite of what one would expect based on the main clause. These clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions.
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Clauses of Contrast Explanation Continued
Common Subordinating Conjunctions for Clauses of Contrast:
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Although, though, even though: These are used to introduce an unexpected result or situation.
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Although: This is the most common and neutral option.
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Though: This is a more informal option, typically used in spoken English.
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Even though: This is a stronger form, emphasizing the unexpectedness or surprising nature of the contrast.
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While, whereas: These introduce an opposite idea or a clear distinction between two things.
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While: Can also be used to indicate simultaneous actions, but in this context, it shows a contrast.
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Whereas: Generally used in formal writing and implies a stronger contrast.
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Structure and Usage:
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Although, though, even though:
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Can either precede or follow the independent clause.
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A comma is required before the independent clause if the clause of contrast appears first.
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Example: According to Literacy Services of Wisconsin, "Although it was raining, I didn't bring an umbrella."
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While, whereas:
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Can either precede or follow the independent clause.
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A comma is needed before the independent clause in both cases.
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Example: According to Literacy Services of Wisconsin, "While Victor is a pessimist, Maria is an optimist."
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Important Notes:
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Despite and in spite of are prepositions, not subordinating conjunctions. They are followed by a noun, a gerund, or "the fact that" + a clause.
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Example: "Despite the rain, we went to the concert."
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A clause of contrast is a dependent clause and must connect to an independent clause to form a complete sentence.
By using these conjunctions and understanding their proper placement and punctuation, sentences that express contrasting ideas can be created to enhance writing.
A More in-depth Explanation
Clauses of contrast, also known as concessive clauses, are used to show a difference or unexpected relationship between two ideas or statements. They are introduced by subordinating conjunctions like although, though, even though, whereas, and while. These clauses highlight a contrast or surprising element in the relationship between the clauses they connect.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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What are clauses of contrast?
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Clauses of contrast are dependent clauses that express a contrasting idea to the main clause.
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They show a difference, an unexpected result, or a surprising element between the two ideas being presented.
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These clauses are often introduced by subordinating conjunctions.
Common subordinating conjunctions used in clauses of contrast:
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Although/Though/Even though:
These words are used to introduce a clause that presents a fact that makes the main clause's statement surprising or unexpected. For example: "Although it was raining, they went for a walk."
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Whereas/While:
These words are used to show a clear comparison or contrast between two ideas. For example: "He enjoys reading, whereas she prefers watching movies."
Example:
"Although the weather was cold, they decided to go swimming."
In this sentence:
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"Although the weather was cold" is the subordinate clause of contrast.
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"they decided to go swimming" is the main clause.
The clause of contrast (although the weather was cold) highlights the unexpected action (going swimming) despite the cold weather.
Key points:
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Clauses of contrast can come at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence.
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When a clause of contrast comes at the beginning of a sentence, it's usually followed by a comma.
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When a clause of contrast comes in the middle of a sentence, it's often preceded by a comma (especially with "whereas" and "while").
Clauses of contrast
Although, even though
We can use although/even though at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence followed by a clause (subject + verb). We NEVER use a comma after although or even though.
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Although/Even though we had a bad game, we won.
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We won, although/even though we had a bad game.
However
We use however to connect two different sentences. We normally use however after a full stop (.) or a semi-colon (;). However should ALWAYS be followed by a comma.
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We didn’t like the hotel. However, we had a fantastic time.
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We went to the beach; however, the weather wasn’t perfect.
Despite/in spite of
Despite and in spite of are normally followed by a noun or a –ing verb. They can go at the beginning or in the middle of the sentence.
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Despite/In spite of the rain, we went to the concert.
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They arrived despite/in spite of leaving very early.
We can use a clause (subject + verb) after despite/in spite of + the fact that.
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We went out despite/in spite of the fact that it was raining.
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