What are clauses of concession?
A: Clauses of concession are subordinate clauses that express an idea that contrasts with or contradicts the main clause. They indicate that something unexpected, contrary or undesirable has occurred or is occurring, but the main clause still holds true. |
What are the most common clauses of concession?
A: The most common clauses of concession in English are despite, in spite of, and although. |
What does “despite” mean?
A: “Despite” is a preposition that means in spite of or regardless of. |
How is “despite” used in a clause of concession?
A: “Despite” is used to introduce a subordinate clause that indicates something unexpected or undesirable, while still affirming the main clause. For example, “Despite the rain, we still had a great time at the park.” |
Can “despite” be followed by a noun?
A: Yes, “despite” can be followed by a noun or noun phrase, such as “Despite the traffic jam, we arrived on time.” |
Can “despite” be followed by a gerund?
A: Yes, “despite” can be followed by a gerund, such as “Despite feeling tired, she went for a run.” |
Can “despite” be used at the beginning of a sentence?
A: Yes, “despite” can be used at the beginning of a sentence, such as “Despite the fact that it was raining, we decided to go for a picnic.” |
What does “in spite of” mean?
A: “In spite of” is a preposition that means despite or regardless of. |
How is “in spite of” used in a clause of concession?
A: “In spite of” is used to introduce a subordinate clause that indicates something unexpected or undesirable, while still affirming the main clause. For example, “In spite of the bad weather, we still went to the beach.” |
Can “in spite of” be followed by a noun?
A: Yes, “in spite of” can be followed by a noun or noun phrase, such as “In spite of the noise, I managed to sleep.” |
Can “in spite of” be followed by a gerund?
A: Yes, “in spite of” can be followed by a gerund, such as “In spite of having a headache, he continued to work.” |
Can “in spite of” be used at the beginning of a sentence?
A: Yes, “in spite of” can be used at the beginning of a sentence, such as “In spite of his fear, he decided to jump out of the plane.” |
What does “although” mean?
A: “Although” is a conjunction that means despite the fact that. |
How is “although” used in a clause of concession?
A: “Although” is used to introduce a subordinate clause that indicates something unexpected or undesirable, while still affirming the main clause. For example, “Although it was cold outside, she went for a walk.” |
Can “although” be followed by a noun?
A: No, “although” cannot be followed by a noun. It must be followed by a clause. For example, “Although it was raining, we still went for a walk.” |
Can “although” be followed by a gerund?
A: No, “although” cannot be followed by a gerund. It must be followed by a clause. For example, “Although she was tired, she went to the gym. |
Can “although” be used at the beginning of a sentence?
A: Yes, “although” can be used at the beginning of a sentence, such as “Although it was late, we decided to go to the movies.” |
Are there any differences in meaning between “despite”, “in spite of”, and “although”?
A: While “despite” and “in spite of” are very similar in meaning and can be used interchangeably, “although” has a slightly different meaning. “Although” indicates that there is a contrast between the two clauses, whereas “despite” and “in spite of” simply indicate that something is happening despite something else. For example, “Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk” implies that going for a walk in the rain was unexpected or difficult, whereas “Despite the rain, we decided to go for a walk” simply indicates that it was raining but we still went for a walk. |
Are there any rules for choosing between “despite”, “in spite of”, and “although”?
A: Generally, “despite” and “in spite of” can be used interchangeably, and the choice between them is a matter of personal preference. However, “although” is used to introduce a contrast, and therefore should only be used when there is a clear contrast between the two clauses. Additionally, “despite” and “in spite of” can be followed by a noun or gerund, whereas “although” must be followed by a clause. |
Can “despite” or “in spite of” be used with a clause?
A: No, “despite” and “in spite of” are prepositions and cannot be used with a clause. They must be followed by a noun or noun phrase, or a gerund. For example, “Despite the fact that it was raining” is incorrect, and should be “Despite the rain.” |
