Linking Words and Phrases for Concession in English

If you want to write balanced, mature essays in English, you need to know how to use linking words for concession. These words and phrases help you admit that one idea may be true while still showing contrast, disagreement, or a different point of view.

For example:

Although the idea is interesting, it may be difficult to put into practice.

This sentence does two things at once. It recognises a positive point, but it also introduces a limitation. That is exactly why concession is so useful in formal writing, academic English, and Cambridge exams such as B2 First and C1 Advanced.

In this lesson, you will learn useful linking words and phrases for concession, with meanings, examples, grammar notes, and common mistakes to avoid.

What is Concession in English?

In English grammar and writing, concession means accepting that something is true, but showing that it does not completely change your main point.

Compare these sentences:

The course is expensive. It is very useful.

Now look at the concessive version:

Although the course is expensive, it is very useful.

The second sentence sounds more sophisticated because it shows balance. This is especially important in essays, reports, proposals, reviews, and formal emails.

Concession helps you:

• present both sides of an argument
• sound more thoughtful and mature
• avoid simple, repetitive contrast words such as but
• write stronger B2, C1 and C2-level sentences
• connect ideas more smoothly

Common Linking Words for Concession

1. Although

Although introduces a contrast between two ideas. It is common in both spoken and written English.

Structure:

Although + subject + verb, subject + verb

Examples:

Although the weather was terrible, we decided to continue the trip.

Although she had little experience, she handled the situation very well.

Although online learning is convenient, some students still prefer face-to-face lessons.

You can also put although in the middle of the sentence:

We decided to continue the trip, although the weather was terrible.

Exam tip: Although is very useful in B2 First and C1 Advanced essays because it helps you write more complex sentences.

2. Even though

Even though is stronger than although. We use it when the contrast is surprising or emphatic.

Examples:

Even though he was exhausted, he finished the report.

Even though the proposal was carefully prepared, it was rejected.

Even though I understand your point, I do not fully agree with it.

Compare:

Although it was raining, we went out.

Even though it was pouring with rain, we went out.

The second sentence sounds stronger.

3. Though

Though is similar to although, but it is often a little less formal. It is common in everyday English.

Examples:

Though the task was difficult, they completed it on time.

The film was rather slow. I enjoyed it, though.

He did not prepare much. He passed the exam, though.

When though comes at the end of a sentence, it often means something like however.

It was expensive. It was worth it, though.

This final-position use is very natural in spoken English, but it may be too informal for a formal essay.

4. While

While can mean although when we use it to show contrast, not time.

Examples:

While the idea is attractive, it may not be realistic.

While I agree with some of your points, I disagree with your conclusion.

While technology can improve education, it cannot replace good teaching.

Be careful: while can also mean “during the time that”.

While I was cooking, the phone rang.

In this sentence, while is about time, not concession.

5. Whereas

Whereas is more formal and is used to compare two contrasting facts.

Examples:

Some students prefer studying alone, whereas others learn better in groups.

Older generations often value job security, whereas younger workers may prioritise flexibility.

The first solution is cheap, whereas the second is more reliable.

Whereas is excellent for essays because it helps you compare two sides clearly.

Formal Linking Words for Concession

6. However

However is one of the most common linking words for contrast and concession. It usually connects two sentences.

Examples:

The plan sounds promising. However, it may be too expensive.

Many people support the proposal. However, there are several practical problems.

The course is demanding. However, it gives students valuable skills.

Punctuation note:

Use a full stop or semicolon before however, not usually a comma.

Correct:

The idea is useful. However, it needs more research.

Also correct:

The idea is useful; however, it needs more research.

Incorrect:

The idea is useful, however it needs more research.

7. Nevertheless

Nevertheless is formal and means despite this. It is useful in academic and professional writing.

Examples:

The evidence is limited. Nevertheless, the results are encouraging.

The project was expensive. Nevertheless, it was completed successfully.

He lacked experience. Nevertheless, he proved to be a capable leader.

Nevertheless sounds more formal than however, so it works well in essays and reports.

8. Nonetheless

Nonetheless has almost the same meaning as nevertheless. It is also formal.

Examples:

The task was challenging. Nonetheless, the team managed to complete it.

The method is not perfect. Nonetheless, it remains useful.

The new system has some weaknesses. Nonetheless, it is an improvement.

In most cases, nevertheless and nonetheless can be used in the same way.

9. Even so

Even so means despite that. It is slightly less formal than nevertheless, but still useful in writing.

Examples:

The weather was awful. Even so, thousands of people attended the event.

She had very little time. Even so, she agreed to help.

The instructions were unclear. Even so, most students completed the task.

10. Still

Still can be used to introduce a concessive idea. It means something like even so or nevertheless.

Examples:

The solution is not ideal. Still, it is better than doing nothing.

I disagree with his opinion. Still, I respect his honesty.

The journey was tiring. Still, it was worth it.

This use of still is common in both spoken and written English, but it is usually less formal than nevertheless.

11. Yet

Yet introduces a surprising contrast. It is often used between two clauses.

Examples:

The task seemed simple, yet many people made mistakes.

She was under a lot of pressure, yet she remained calm.

The book is quite short, yet it covers the topic in great detail.

Yet is a useful alternative to but, especially when you want your sentence to sound more elegant.

Despite and In Spite Of

12. Despite

Despite means although something happened or is true. It is followed by a noun, noun phrase, or -ing form.

Structure:

Despite + noun / -ing form

Examples:

Despite the rain, the match continued.

Despite feeling nervous, she gave an excellent presentation.

Despite the high cost, many students chose the course.

Be careful: despite is not followed by a full clause.

Incorrect:

Despite it was raining, we went out.

Correct:

Despite the rain, we went out.

Although it was raining, we went out.

13. In spite of

In spite of has the same meaning as despite, but it is slightly longer.

Examples:

In spite of the delay, we arrived on time.

In spite of being tired, he continued working.

In spite of several difficulties, the project was a success.

Both despite and in spite of are useful in formal writing, but despite is usually more concise.

Advanced Linking Words and Phrases for Concession

14. Admittedly

Admittedly is used when you accept that something is true before making another point.

Examples:

Admittedly, the plan is expensive, but it could bring long-term benefits.

Admittedly, he lacks experience. However, he is highly motivated.

Admittedly, online learning is convenient, but it is not suitable for everyone.

This is a very useful word for essays because it shows balance.

15. Granted

Granted means I accept that this is true, but it usually introduces a contrasting idea afterwards.

Examples:

Granted, the proposal is ambitious, but it is not impossible.

Granted, the film is beautifully made, but the story is rather weak.

Granted, exams can be stressful, but they also give students clear goals.

You can also say:

Granted that the task is difficult, we still need to try.

However, granted at the beginning of a sentence is more common.

16. Albeit

Albeit is a formal word meaning although. It is usually used before an adjective, adverb, or short phrase.

Examples:

The event was successful, albeit expensive.

It was a useful, albeit rather complicated, explanation.

The results were positive, albeit less impressive than expected.

Albeit is elegant, but it is quite formal. Do not overuse it.

17. Be that as it may

Be that as it may is a very formal phrase meaning even if that is true.

Examples:

Be that as it may, we still need to follow the rules.

The criticism may be fair. Be that as it may, the decision has already been made.

The proposal has some weaknesses. Be that as it may, it deserves serious consideration.

This phrase is useful in formal argumentation, but it may sound too heavy in everyday conversation.

18. That said

That said is very common in modern English. It means having said that or even so.

Examples:

The plan is practical. That said, it will require careful organisation.

The course is demanding. That said, most students find it rewarding.

The idea is interesting. That said, it needs more evidence.

That said is useful in blog posts, reviews, reports, and semi-formal writing. It sounds natural and modern.

19. All the same

All the same means despite this. It is often used when something is still true in spite of another fact.

Examples:

It was not a perfect solution. All the same, it helped.

He did not win the competition. All the same, he performed brilliantly.

The journey was long and uncomfortable. All the same, I enjoyed it.

This phrase is more common in spoken and semi-formal English than in academic writing.

20. For all that

For all that means despite everything that has been mentioned. It is quite advanced and slightly literary.

Examples:

He has made mistakes. For all that, he is a talented manager.

The book is rather old-fashioned. For all that, it remains extremely useful.

The plan has several risks. For all that, it could still succeed.

This phrase is good for advanced learners, but it should be used carefully because it is less common than however or nevertheless.

Quick Comparison Table: Linking Words for Concession

although	despite the fact that	neutral	Although it was hard, we continued.
even though	stronger although	neutral	Even though she was tired, she helped.
though	although	informal/neutral	It was expensive. I bought it, though.
while	although / whereas	formal/neutral	While I agree, I have some concerns.
whereas	while, in contrast	formal	Some agree, whereas others disagree.
however	but / nevertheless	formal/neutral	It was useful. However, it was long.
nevertheless	despite this	formal	It was risky. Nevertheless, we tried.
nonetheless	despite this	formal	It was difficult. Nonetheless, we succeeded.
even so	despite that	neutral	It was raining. Even so, we went out.
still	even so	neutral	It is not perfect. Still, it works.
yet	but surprisingly	neutral/formal	It was simple, yet effective.
despite	although something is true	formal/neutral	Despite the cost, we agreed.
in spite of	despite	neutral	In spite of the delay, we arrived.
admittedly	I accept this is true	formal	Admittedly, it is expensive.
granted	I accept this point	formal/neutral	Granted, it is difficult.
albeit	although	formal	It was useful, albeit brief.
be that as it may	even if that is true	very formal	Be that as it may, we must continue.
that said	having said that	modern/neutral	It is useful. That said, it needs work.
all the same	despite this	neutral	It was hard. All the same, I enjoyed it.
for all that	despite everything	advanced/literary	For all that, he remains popular.

Common Mistakes with Linking Words for Concession

Mistake 1: Using “but” after “although”

Incorrect:

Although the course was expensive, but it was useful.

Correct:

Although the course was expensive, it was useful.

You do not need but after although.

Mistake 2: Using a full clause after “despite”

Incorrect:

Despite he was tired, he continued working.

Correct:

Despite being tired, he continued working.

Also correct:

Although he was tired, he continued working.

Mistake 3: Overusing “however”

However is useful, but if every sentence begins with however, your writing becomes repetitive.

Instead of writing:

However, this may be difficult. However, it is possible. However, more research is needed.

Try using variety:

This may be difficult. Nevertheless, it is possible. That said, more research is needed.

Mistake 4: Using very formal phrases in casual conversation

Phrases such as be that as it may and albeit are useful, but they may sound too formal in everyday conversation.

Too formal for casual speech:

Be that as it may, I shall attend the party.

More natural:

Maybe, but I’ll still go to the party.

For more help with organising ideas, read my lesson on words and phrases for sequencing ideas.

You may also want to review linking words and phrases to express contrast and difference. 

Useful Sentence Patterns for Essays

Here are some practical sentence patterns you can use in formal writing.

Pattern 1: Although + opposing idea, main argument

Although social media can be distracting, it can also help students develop digital skills.

Pattern 2: Admittedly + weakness, but + strength

Admittedly, online courses require self-discipline, but they also give learners greater flexibility.

Pattern 3: Despite + noun / -ing, main idea

Despite the high cost of living, many people still choose to move to large cities.

Pattern 4: Main idea. However, limitation.

The proposal could benefit many students. However, it would require careful planning.

Pattern 5: Main idea. That said, warning or limitation.

Technology has made learning more accessible. That said, it cannot replace the human connection between teacher and student.

Example Paragraph Using Linking Words for Concession

Here is a short essay-style paragraph:

Although online learning has become increasingly popular, it is not without its disadvantages. Admittedly, it offers flexibility and allows students to learn at their own pace. However, some learners may struggle without direct teacher support. Despite these challenges, online education can be extremely effective when lessons are well-structured and interactive. That said, it should not be seen as a complete replacement for traditional classroom learning.

Notice how the paragraph uses several linking words for concession naturally:

• although
• admittedly
• however
• despite
• that said

This makes the writing sound balanced, logical, and more advanced.

Bonus: Natural Spoken Phrases for Concession

Not all concessive phrases are suitable for formal essays. Some are better for speaking, storytelling, or informal writing.

Mind you

Used to add a contrasting thought.

The exam was difficult. Mind you, I think I did quite well.

To be fair

Used when you want to acknowledge another side.

To be fair, he did try his best.

I’ll give you that

Used when you accept someone’s point.

The film was too long. I’ll give you that.

At the end of the day

Used when giving your final opinion after considering everything.

At the end of the day, everyone has to make their own decision.

These phrases are natural and useful, but they are usually better for speaking than formal academic essays.

Final Tip: How to Use Concession in Cambridge Writing

In Cambridge B2 First and C1 Advanced writing, concession helps you sound more thoughtful and sophisticated. Instead of giving only one side of an argument, you can show that you understand different perspectives.

Simple:

Some people think exams are stressful. I think they are useful.

Better:

Although exams can be stressful, they give students clear goals and help measure progress.

Even better:

Admittedly, exams can put pressure on students. Nevertheless, they provide clear goals and encourage regular study.

This kind of writing shows stronger control of language and argumentation.

If you are preparing for exams, you may also find my guide on how to write a B2 First essay useful.

If you want to improve your essay style further, read my guide on how to write a C1 Advanced essay.

Conclusion

Learning linking words for concession will help you write more balanced, mature, and persuasive English. Words such as although, however, despite, nevertheless, and admittedly are especially useful in essays, reports, proposals, and formal emails.

Start with the most common phrases first: although, even though, however, despite, and nevertheless. Then gradually add more advanced expressions such as albeit, granted, be that as it may, and for all that.

The goal is not to use as many linking words as possible. The goal is to choose the right one, put it in the right structure, and make your writing flow naturally.

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