In the last few High English quizzes on grammar, we have been introduced to several connectors and we found out under what circumstances they could be used in sentences. We now turn our attention to another set of connectors - those that are used to show concession.
The connectors ALTHOUGH, EVEN THOUGH, DESPITE and IN SPITE OF are the connectors that are used to show concession, and they follow certain rules of grammar. Take a look at these sentences:
‘ALTHOUGH it was snowing, he walked to the tube station.’
‘IN SPITE OF the rain, he walked to the tube station.’
In the examples above the connector in the first sentence introduces a concessive clause, and the connector in the second sentence is followed by a noun. DESPITE and IN SPITE OF can also be followed by a VERB + ING form as in this sentence:
‘DESPITE his having enough strength, he couldn’t beat him.’
While the connectors we have talked about can also be used to show contrast, these work as connectors for showing concession. The essential difference is that these connectors are used to put forth a contrasting point that has to be considered and so devalue the opposing point’s value to the reader. We can understand better with examples:
If we were to fill a slot for the 11th place in the Indian cricket team, the selectors have to choose between Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav. While both of them are equally good fast bowlers, Ishant Sharma is a better batsman and Umesh Yadav is a better fielder. Now, two selectors can put forth the view as follows:
Selector 1: "Although Umesh Yadav is a good fielder, Ishant Sharma can be useful as a better batsman, so he should be chosen."
Selector 2: "Although Ishant Sharma can bat, Umesh Yadav can be useful as a better fielder, so he should be chosen."
In the example cited above we notice that the two players have not only been contrasted but have also been given concessions for their good points. Take the quiz on grammar that follows and learn more with examples of connectors that show concession.