Y05W29GR Concession sentences (I see… but…)
Concession sentences (I see… but…)
Good writers can show more than one view in a clear way. Concession sentences help you mention another opinion fairly before you explain your own view.
- how to show an other view first
- how to use but and although clearly
- how to make opinions sound fairer and stronger
- Concession means you briefly show another view before giving your own.
- Viewpoint is what someone thinks about a topic.
- Fairness matters because strong writing should sound thoughtful, not one-sided.
- Connective is a word that links ideas, such as but or although.
- Balance helps the reader trust your opinion more.
How it works
1Start with another view
A concession sentence often begins by showing what someone else might think. This makes your writing sound fair and calm.
- Other view comes first to show respect. For example, Some people think homework should be shorter, but practice helps students remember more.
- Fair tone grows when you show you have considered more than one side.
- Clear thinking helps the reader follow your opinion.
2Use 'but' to turn to your view
The word but is useful when you want to shift from one idea to another. It helps you show a fair point and then your main view.
- But signals a turn in thinking. For example, I understand that games are fun, but reading before bed can be relaxing too.
- Main view usually comes after but, so place your strongest idea there.
- Meaning stays clear when both parts connect naturally.
3Use 'although' for a smoother pattern
The word although can make your sentence sound smooth and thoughtful. It often comes at the start of the sentence.
- Although introduces the first view. For example, Although group work can be noisy, it helps students share ideas.
- Comma usually comes after the first part when although starts the sentence.
- Flow improves when the sentence moves neatly from one side to the other.
4Keep both views clear
A concession sentence should not hide your meaning. The reader needs to understand both the other view and your own.
- Two clear parts make the sentence stronger. For example, Some students prefer tablets, but books are easier to share.
- Simple wording helps the sentence stay easy to read.
- Best choice means choosing a connective that matches the relationship between the ideas.
See it in action
Making an opinion fairer
Homework is good.
Some people think homework is boring, but it can help students practise skills.
The new sentence sounds fairer because it includes another view first.
Using 'although' clearly
Sport takes time. It keeps students active.
Although sport takes time, it keeps students active.
The new version links the two ideas more smoothly.
Strengthening the main view
Some people like quiet classrooms. Loud classrooms are better.
Some people like quiet classrooms, but lively classrooms can help discussion.
The sentence now sounds more balanced and thoughtful.
Fixing a one-sided claim
Reading is better than films.
Although films can tell stories quickly, reading often gives more detail.
The new sentence shows both sides and strengthens the point.
- Concession sentences show another view before your own.
- But helps turn from one idea to another.
- Although can introduce the first view smoothly.
- Fair writing sounds stronger than one-sided writing.
- Clear connectives help the reader follow both views.
- concession(noun) a sentence move that shows another view before your own point
- viewpoint(noun) what a person thinks about a topic or issue
- connective(noun) a linking word, such as but or although, that joins the two views
- balance(noun) a fair way of showing more than one side before making a judgement
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
- Opens in a new window.