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Clauses of Concession

Clauses of Concession (yielding) show a contrast between two ideas. They are introduced by the words though, although, even though, despite, or in spite of. They can go at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. 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 / in spite of + noun phrase 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/though + subject + verb + (complement) 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. The child ate the cookie even though his mother had told him no to. Although the weather was very bad, we had a picnic. The committee voted to ratify the amendment despite the objections. Though he had not finished the paper, he went to sleep. She attended the class although she did not feel alert.

Exercise: 1. Despite her dislike for coffee, she drank it to keep herself warm. (although) Although she disliked for coffee, she drank it to keep herself warm. 2. Mary will take a plane, even though she dislikes flying. (in spite of) Mary will take a plane, in spite of her dislike flying. 3. In spite of Marcys sadness at losing the contest, she managed to smile. (although) Although Marcy was sad at losing the contest, she managed to smile. 4. We took many pictures though the sky was cloudy. (despite) We took many pictures despite the skys being cloudy. 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) prize. (even though) 9. In spite of his prices, my daughters insist on going to the movies every Saturday. (even though) 10. He ate chocolate cake even though he is on a diet. (in spite of) 8. We plan to buy a ticket for the drawing although we know we will not win a

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