Concession acknowledges a point before countering it (Although X, Y). Contrast highlights a difference between two things (X whereas Y). C1 requires mastery of the grammar of each connector (clause vs noun phrase), register differences, and advanced forms: granted, admittedly, much as, for all, no matter how, that said.
Although/though/even though + clause. Despite/in spite of + noun/gerund. However/nevertheless/nonetheless + clause (with comma). Choose the grammatically correct form.
| Connector | Follows | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| although / though / even though | + clause | Concession (strongest with 'even though') | Although it rained, we went out. |
| despite / in spite of | + noun / gerund | Concession (no clause after) | Despite the rain, we went out. |
| however / nevertheless / nonetheless | starts new sentence / clause | Contrast (formal) | It rained. Nevertheless, we went out. |
| even so / yet / still | starts new sentence | Contrast (slightly informal) | It rained. Even so, we went out. |
| while / whereas | + clause (same sentence) | Direct two-way contrast | He likes opera, whereas she prefers jazz. |
| on the other hand | starts new sentence | Introduces an alternative view | It's expensive. On the other hand, it lasts. |
| granted / admittedly | + clause / starts sentence | Concede a point before countering | Granted, costs are high, but the benefits outweigh them. |
| much as | + clause | Formal: 'although I greatly' | Much as I admire her work, I disagree. |
| for all | + noun phrase | = Despite (formal, literary) | For all its faults, the plan is workable. |
| no matter how/what/who | + adj/clause | = Regardless of degree/identity | No matter how hard he tries, he fails. |
| that said / having said that | starts new sentence | Concede then contrast (spoken/written) | The plan has risks. That said, it may work. |