Adverb clauses of concession tell that the situation in matrix clause is unexpected or surprising based on what’s there in the adverb clause. For example, in the sentence They enjoyed the concert, even though the sound quality was poor, what’s mentioned in the matrix clause (enjoying the concert) is unexpected based on what’s there in the adverb clause (sound quality was poor). After all, enjoying the concert is difficult when the sound quality is poor. Hence, even though the sound quality was poor is adverb clause of concession.
They’re introduced mainly by although and though (in informal use). Other concessive subordinating conjunctions (or subordinators) introducing them are if, even if, even though, when, whereas (in formal use), while, and whilst.
In each of the exercises that follow, first identify the adverb clause and then identify if it is adverb clause of concession or not. Here is a sample question answered for you:
Q. Even if it rains tomorrow, we will go hiking.
A. Even if it rains tomorrow, we will go hiking. [Yes]
More resources:
- If you don’t understand why an adverb clause has been identified – or not identified – as adverb clause of concession, refer to the post on adverb clause of concession.
- Adverb clause of concession is often confused with adverb clause of contrast, a topic that hasn’t been covered in this post. Take exercises to understand how the two differ from each other.
Exercise 1
1. Even if you apologize, she might not forgive you.
2. Though he is rich, he lives a simple life.
3. Brilliant as the idea seemed, it lacked the necessary resources for implementation.
4. Whilst the hotel was advertised as luxurious, the room had several maintenance issues.
5. Whereas the team’s performance was exceptional throughout the season, they struggled in the final match.
1. Even if you apologize, she might not forgive you. [Yes]
2. Though he is rich, he lives a simple life. [Yes]
3. Brilliant as the idea seemed, it lacked the necessary resources for implementation. [Yes. These too are concession clauses. See the post linked to earlier for details.]
4. Whilst the hotel was advertised as luxurious, the room had several maintenance issues. [Yes]
5. Whereas the team’s performance was exceptional throughout the season, they struggled in the final match. [Yes]
Exercise 2
1. Although he studied hard, he didn’t pass the exam.
2. She will attend the conference, even if she has to take a day off work.
3. Whereas the city’s new public transportation system is highly efficient, it has surprisingly led to increased traffic congestion.
4. If he doesn’t agree, we will have to find another solution.
5. If the weather is bad, it’s still fine for outdoor sports.
1. Although he studied hard, he didn’t pass the exam. [Yes]
2. She will attend the conference, even if she has to take a day off work. [Yes]
3. Whereas the city’s new public transportation system is highly efficient, it has surprisingly led to increased traffic congestion. [Yes]
4. If he doesn’t agree, we will have to find another solution. [No. It’s an adverb clause of condition.]
5. If the weather is bad, it’s still fine for outdoor sports.
Yes. This is a tough question. Adverb clause of concession is usually introduced by subordinators such as although, though, even though, and while, but it can also be introduced by few others such as if. Yes, if can introduce adverb clauses other than condition clauses.
The above clause is a concession clause because of element of unexpectedness or surprise: Weather is bad but is still fine for outdoor sports. (See definition at the beginning of this post.)
Exercise 3
1. Even though she was sick, she attended the meeting.
2. When the project deadline is moved up, he takes the opportunity to relax and watch a movie.
3. Whereas the eco-friendly packaging has been hailed as innovative, it struggles with durability issues.
4. Whilst the presentation was highly anticipated, it failed to impress the audience.
5. Busy that the schedule became, they managed to meet all their deadlines.
1. Even though she was sick, she attended the meeting. [Yes]
2. When the project deadline is moved up, he takes the opportunity to relax and watch a movie. [Yes]
3. Whereas the eco-friendly packaging has been hailed as innovative, it struggles with durability issues.
No. Even though the adverb clause has been introduced by whereas, if you look closely, there is lack of unexpectedness: Why can’t an innovative packaging have durability issues? The two are mutually exclusive issues, which can coexist. This, however, would be adverb clause of concession: Whereas the eco-friendly packaging has been hailed as robust, it struggles with durability issues.
4. Whilst the presentation was highly anticipated, it failed to impress the audience. [Yes]
5. Busy that the schedule became, they managed to meet all their deadlines. [Yes. These too are concession clauses. See the post linked to earlier for details.]
