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English grammar

Even if, even though, for all and admittedly

C1 · Advanced Joining sentences Questions 10

The rule

Conceding a point precisely is a C1 skill. even though concedes a FACT (Even though it was raining, we went out — it was raining); even if concedes a POSSIBILITY (Even if it rains, we’ll go — it may or may not). for all + noun means in spite of all: For all his money, he is not happy. despite / in spite of take a noun or -ing, and a clause only through the fact that. In argument, admittedly, granted and true concede one point before the counter-argument comes (Admittedly, the hotel was expensive. But…). The counterpoint is marked by even so, still, all the same, nonetheless, nevertheless; in speech, mind you adds a contrasting afterthought. while or whilst at the start of a sentence can mean although. notwithstanding + noun is the formal equivalent of despite. None of these concessive clauses takes but in the same sentence.

Pattern

even though + fact · even if + possibility · for all / despite / notwithstanding + noun · despite the fact that + clause · Admittedly / Granted / True, …. But … · even so / still / all the same / nonetheless / mind you

Examples

  1. Even if the train is late, we will still make the meeting.

  2. Even though she had a cold, she ran the marathon.

  3. For all its problems, the city is a wonderful place to live.

  4. Admittedly, the plan is expensive; even so, it is our best option.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong: Even though it rains tomorrow, we will go.

    Right: Even if it rains tomorrow, we will go.

    For a possibility use even if; even though is for a fact.

  • Wrong: Despite of the cost, we bought it.

    Right: Despite the cost, we bought it.

    despite takes no of.

  • Wrong: Despite he is rich, he lives simply.

    Right: Despite being rich, he lives simply.

    despite + -ing or noun, not a clause.

Practice questions

Try each one yourself first, then open “Show answer” for the solution and the reason.

  1. 1Choose the correct sentence.

    What is true?

    Even if it snows, the match will go ahead.

    1. The match has been cancelled.
    2. It is definitely snowing.
    3. It snowed yesterday.
    4. It may or may not snow.
    Show answer

    Answer: D It may or may not snow.

    even if concedes a possibility.

  2. 2Choose the correct sentence.

    What is true?

    Even though it was snowing, the match went ahead.

    1. It was snowing.
    2. The snow stopped the match.
    3. It never snows there.
    4. It might snow later.
    Show answer

    Answer: A It was snowing.

    even though concedes a fact.

  3. 3Fill in the gap.

    _____ his fame, he remained a very modest man.

    1. For all
    2. In spite
    3. Although
    4. Even though
    Show answer

    Answer: A For all his fame, he remained a very modest man.

    for all + noun = in spite of all.

  4. 4Choose the correct sentence.

    1. Despite of feeling ill, she went to work.
    2. Despite she felt ill, she went to work.
    3. Despite feeling ill, she went to work.
    4. Despite to feel ill, she went to work.
    Show answer

    Answer: C Despite feeling ill, she went to work.

    despite + -ing.

  5. 5Change the sentence.

    Concede the point first with admittedly.

    The flat is small. It is in a great location.

    1. Admitted, the flat is small, however is in a great location.
    2. Admittedly, the flat is small, but it is in a great location.
    3. Admittedly the flat small, but it is in a great location.
    4. The flat is admittedly, small but it is in a great location.
    Show answer

    Answer: B Admittedly, the flat is small, but it is in a great location.

    Admittedly concedes; but brings the counterpoint.

  6. 6This sentence is wrong. Choose the fix.

    Even though we leave now, we will still be late.

    1. Even though if we leave now, we will still be late.
    2. Even we leave now, we will still be late.
    3. If even we leave now, we will still be late.
    4. Even if we leave now, we will still be late.
    Show answer

    Answer: D Even if we leave now, we will still be late.

    A hypothetical action: even if.

  7. 7Choose the correct sentence.

    1. The hotel was noisy. Even though, we had a wonderful stay.
    2. The hotel was noisy. Even so, we had a wonderful stay.
    3. The hotel was noisy. Even so that we had a wonderful stay.
    4. The hotel was noisy. So even, we had a wonderful stay.
    Show answer

    Answer: B The hotel was noisy. Even so, we had a wonderful stay.

    Even so = in spite of that.

  8. 8Put the words in the right order.

    Mind you the food was excellent

    Show answer

    Answer: Mind you the food was excellent.

    Mind you adds a contrasting point in speech.

  9. 9Choose the correct sentence.

    Which sentence means the same?

    For all our efforts, the project failed.

    1. The project failed for everyone.
    2. Although we tried hard, the project failed.
    3. We made no effort, so it failed.
    4. Because we tried hard, the project failed.
    Show answer

    Answer: B Although we tried hard, the project failed.

    for all our efforts = despite all our efforts.

  10. 10Fill in the gap.

    You are writing a balanced essay.

    _____, nuclear power has serious drawbacks, but it produces little carbon.

    1. Admittance
    2. Admittedly
    3. Admitted
    4. Admitting to
    Show answer

    Answer: B Admittedly, nuclear power has serious drawbacks, but it produces little carbon.

    Admittedly opens a concession in an argument.

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