Linking ideas to show contrast and concession is common in academic writing. There is a slight difference, however, between a simple contrast and a concession. Consider this sentence:
- Western medicine is quite focused on treating isolated issues; however, traditional Chinese medicine attempts to cure holistically.
In this sentence, we are making a simple contrast, which means we are making a comparison to show a difference between two subjects. The idea of concession is slightly different:
- Although the patient agreed the medication was too expensive, they decided to fill the prescription anyway.
This sentence expresses a concession—what we have said in one clause is slightly unexpected because of what we said in the other clause. It is slightly surprising that both of these statements are true because they oppose each other. Here are common linking devices to express concession:
- however
- although
- despite
- yet
- nevertheless
- inspite of
- even so
- still
- even though
- nonetheless
- while
- She has been working as a nurse in Germany for several months, yet she cannot understand German.
- Surgery is expensive and the process is generally difficult; nevertheless, it is the prefered method to treat this.
- Although the situation seems hopeless, it is important to remain optimistic.
- Despite the risks, they chose to continue with treatment.
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