Expressing a Condition or Contrast

Concession or contrast may be expressed in several different ways. Study the following examples carefully.

By using though and although

Note that both though and although mean the same.

Although/ though he is ill, he is cheerful.
Although/though he works hard, he doesn’t earn much.
Poor though he is, he will not pocket this insult. (=Though he is poor, he will not pocket this insult.)

By using as

Strong as he was, he could not beat the enemies. (=Though he was strong, he could not beat the enemies.)

By using however

However difficult the problem may be, we are determined to solve it.

By using whatever

Whatever may have been his intentions, he invited us cordially.
Whatever you say, I shall not lose my temper.

By using the phrase all the same

He is poor; all the same he is happy with his lot.

By using even if

Even if he is guilty, you have no right to beat him like that.

By using an absolute participle, followed by a noun clause

Admitting that she is well-meaning, is it practical to act on her advice?

By using the phrase ‘at the same time’

He is hard up; at the same time he is generous.

By using the phrase ‘none the less’ or ‘nevertheless’

He is well-meaning; nevertheless he is unpopular.
He is rich; none the less he is miserable.

By using indeed followed by but

He was ruined indeed, but he didn’t lose heart.

Note that the same idea may be expressed in a number of ways. Study the following examples carefully.

Though he was strong he could not beat the enemies.
Strong as he was he could not beat the enemies.
However strong he may be, he could not beat the enemies.
He is strong; all the same he could not beat the enemies.
He is strong; nevertheless he could not beat the enemies.