Concession Clauses

Concession clauses introduce a contrast or unexpected result. The key distinction is grammatical: although/even though + clause; despite/in spite of + noun or gerund. Mixing these is the most common TOEIC Part 5 error.

Structure

Although / Even though

although/even though + subject + verb (full clause)

Despite / In spite of

despite/in spite of + noun / gerund (-ing)

However / Nevertheless

Used at the start of a new sentence or after a semicolon to show contrast

Yet / But

Coordinating conjunctions — placed between two main clauses

Concession Words

althougheven thoughthoughdespitein spite ofhoweverneverthelessnonethelessyetwhilewhereas

Example Sentences

Although the budget was tight, the team delivered the project on time.

Despite receiving negative feedback, the team remained motivated.

Even though competition was strong, we won the contract.

In spite of the delays, the product launched on schedule.

The results were disappointing; however, the team learned valuable lessons.

Despite working long hours, she maintained excellent quality.

Although the proposal was expensive, the board approved it.

The system performed well despite the heavy load.

Even though prices rose, customer demand remained strong.

In spite of the setbacks, the company achieved its annual targets.

Common Mistakes

Despite the budget was tight, we delivered.

Despite the tight budget / Although the budget was tight...

'Despite' is a preposition — follow it with a noun or gerund, NEVER a clause.

Although the budget, we delivered on time.

Although the budget was tight, we delivered on time.

'Although' is a conjunction — it must introduce a full clause (subject + verb).

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