Linking ideas to show contrast and concession is common in writing. There is a slight difference, however, between a simple contrast and a concession. Consider this sentence.

  • Western Canada is quite mountainous; however, the prairie provinces are very flat.

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 Lee family knew it was going to be more expensive in the current market, they decided to buy a new house.

This sentence expresses a concession—both things are true, but they are opposed to each other in a surprising or unexpected way.


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Exercise

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