Adverbial clauses of concession

Adverbial clauses of concession introduce an element of contrast into a sentence and are sometimes called contrast clauses They are introduced by the following conjunctions although considering (that) though even though even if much as while whereas however

The complex sentence adverbial clauses

much/badly/good etc no matter how, etc, no matter how much, etc Even though is probably more usual than though/although in speech

Although/Though/Even though I felt sorry for him I was secretly

pleased that he was having difficulties

We intend to go to India even if air fares go up again between

now and the summer

Much as I'd like to help there isn t a lot I can do

While I disapprove of what you say I would defend to the death

your right to say it

However combines with numerous adjectives and adverbs However far it is I intend to drive there tonight

No matter can combine with question words {who when where, etc) to introduce clauses of concession

No matter where you go you can t escape from yourself Compounds with -ever can introduce clauses of concession in the same way as No matter

Whatever I say I seem to say the wrong thing (No matter what)

We can use may in formal style in place of the present after all

conjunctions introducing clauses of concession However brilliant you are/may be you can t know everything Whatever you think/may think I m going ahead with my plans

As and though to mean 'regardless of the degree to which' can be used after some adjectives, adverbs and verbs to introduce clauses of concession in formal style

Unlikely as it sounds/may sound what I'm telling you is true (i e Though it sounds/may sound unlikely)

Beautiful though the necklace was we thought it was over-priced so we didn t buy it (i e Though the necklace was beautiful) Try as he might he couldn t solve the problem (i e Though he tried he couldn't)

Adverbial clauses of purpose

Conjunctions in adverbial clauses of purpose

These clauses answer the questions What for? and For what purpose? and can be introduced by the following conjunctions so that in order that in case lest and for fear (that)

So as to and in order to also convey the idea of purpose, but they are variations on the to-infinitive, not conjunctions They do not introduce a group of words containing a finite verb [> 1.21n2] Constructions with to so as to and in order to are much simpler than those with that and are generally preferred [> 16.12.1]