Advanced concession

Rules

• Rule 1: However + adjective / adverb

  Alone, however means *but*. Followed directly by an adjective or adverb, it means *no matter how*. A full clause (subject + verb) comes next. much / many / little also work.

  Pattern: However + adjective / adverb + subject + verb, …

  Example: However tired you are, finish your homework.

  Example: However many times I call, nobody answers.

• Rule 2: Whatever, Whoever, No matter…

  The -ever words mean *no matter what / who / which / where / when*. No matter + what / who / how / where means the same. The clause keeps normal statement word order, not question order.

  Pattern: Whatever / Whoever / Whichever / Wherever / Whenever + subject + verb · No matter + wh-word

  Example: Whatever you choose, choose it with your heart.

  Example: No matter where we go, we always get lost.

• Rule 3: albeit / if + adjective, for all + noun

  albeit (formal) and if go before an adjective or adverb to mean *although it is*. for all + noun means *despite*.

  Pattern: adjective, albeit / if + adjective · For all + noun, …

  Example: a helpful, if short, meeting

  Example: For all his talent, he is very modest.

• Rule 4: Adjective + as / though, and fixed phrases

  Fronting an adjective and adding as or though gives *although*: Tired as he was. Much as + subject + verb does the same. Learn these phrases: Be that as it may (even if that is true), Come what may (whatever happens), Granted, … but ….

  Pattern: Adjective + as / though + subject + verb · Much as + subject + verb

  Example: Small as it is, the park is lovely.

  Example: Be that as it may, we must decide today.

Common mistakes

• Whatever does he say, I believe you. → Whatever he says, I believe you.

  After -ever words use statement order: subject + verb.

• Although hard she tried, she lost. → However hard she tried, she lost.

  Fronting an adjective works with However; Although is followed directly by a clause.

• Despite of the rain, we played. → Despite the rain, we played.

  despite is already a preposition; don't add ~~of~~ (but say in spite of).