20 Linking Words and Phrases for Concession

20 Linking Words and Phrases for Concession (with Examples)

If you want to write balanced, high-level essays in English, you must master linking words for concession. Concession is a key feature of strong academic and exam writing because it allows you to acknowledge an opposing idea while maintaining your argument.

In exams such as B2 First and C1 Advanced, using concession correctly shows maturity, critical thinking and linguistic flexibility. In this lesson, you’ll learn 20 essential linking words and phrases for concession, complete with clear explanations and practical examples. You’ll also discover idiomatic expressions that help you sound more natural and sophisticated.

Core linking words and phrases for concession

Although

Used to introduce a contrast between two clauses.

• Although it was cold, they went swimming.
• She accepted the offer, although it wasn’t exactly what she wanted.

Even though

A stronger, more emphatic version of although.

• Even though he was tired, he kept working.
• Even though I disagree, I respect your opinion.

Though

A shorter, more informal version of although. Can appear at the end of a sentence.

• He passed the test, though he hadn’t studied much.
• It was a tough match. We won, though.

While (contrast meaning, not time)

• While the food was delicious, the service was poor.
• While I understand your concern, I don’t agree.

Whereas (more formal)

• She prefers tea, whereas he always drinks coffee.
• Some people like routine, whereas others prefer change.

However

• He said he’d help. However, he never turned up.
• The report is detailed. However, it lacks practical suggestions.

Nevertheless / Nonetheless (formal)

• The weather was awful. Nevertheless, we enjoyed ourselves.
• He was inexperienced. Nonetheless, he performed well.

Even so

• It was raining. Even so, we went out.
• She had very little time. Even so, she helped everyone.

Still

• He isn’t very strong. Still, he lifted the box.
• I disagree with the idea. Still, it’s worth discussing.

Yet

• It’s a simple task, yet he can’t do it properly.
• She was exhausted, yet she stayed calm.

Despite / In spite of (+ noun / -ing)

• Despite the rain, the event continued.
• In spite of being nervous, he gave a great speech.

Admittedly

• Admittedly, it wasn’t my best work.
• Admittedly, he lacks experience, but he’s very motivated.

Albeit (formal, mid-sentence)

• It was a good result, albeit not the best.
• The plan was effective, albeit expensive.

Granted

• Granted, the task is difficult, but it’s not impossible.
• Granted, she’s talented, but she needs discipline.

Be that as it may (very formal)

• Be that as it may, we still need to follow the rules.
• The forecast is bad. Be that as it may, the event will go ahead.

That said (very common in modern English)

• The plan seems good. That said, we should be careful.
• It’s a useful idea. That said, it needs refining.

All the same

• It wasn’t perfect. All the same, it was impressive.
• He didn’t win. All the same, he did very well.

Although this may be true (formal writing)

• Although this may be true, it’s not the whole story.
• Although this may be true, other factors must be considered.

Idiomatic expressions for concession

These are excellent for advanced, natural English:

Take something with a pinch (or grain) of salt

don’t take it too seriously

Take his advice with a pinch of salt.

Come what may

= no matter what happens

Come what may, I’ll support you.

Give someone the benefit of the doubt

assume good intentions

I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt this time.

Mind you

softens or slightly contradicts what was just said

It was difficult. Mind you, I think I did quite well.

For all that

despite everything

He didn’t study much. For all that, he passed.

At the end of the day

when everything is considered

At the end of the day, it’s your decision.

It takes all sorts

people are very different

I don’t agree with him, but it takes all sorts.

Setting aside …

temporarily ignoring something

Setting aside the cost, the project is worth doing.

Final tip for exams

Using concession properly makes your writing more balanced and sophisticated, improves C1/C2-style argumentation, and shows maturity of language and critical thinking.

Related posts:

Linking words and phrases to express difference

Synonyms to avoid repetition in writing

How to write B2 First essay

How to write C1 Advanced essay

Visit our bookshop for more