Expressing Addition and Concession
Learn to add extra information and show contrast — moreover, besides, although, despite — the exam's classic sentence-rewriting pair.
What are addition and concession?
Addition connectors add extra, related information to what was just said. Concession connectors show a contrast — admitting one fact while stating another that seems to go against it. Both are essential for building strong, connected arguments in your writing.
ما هما الإضافة والتنازل؟
تُستخدم أدوات الإضافة لإضافة معلومة إضافية مرتبطة بما قيل سابقًا. أما أدوات التنازل فتُظهر تناقضًا — الاعتراف بحقيقة معينة مع ذكر حقيقة أخرى تبدو معاكسة لها. كلاهما ضروري لبناء حجج قوية ومترابطة في كتابتك.
Expressing addition
Use these words to add a related point to what you just said.
She not only manages her career but also raises her children brilliantly.
Expressing concession — two types
This is the exam’s favourite grammar point in this unit: concession words fall into two different groups, and each is followed by a different structure.
although
though
even though
despite
in spite of
Malala won the Nobel Peace Prize despite her young age. (despite + noun)
My grandmother is very wise despite being illiterate. (despite + -ing)
Other concession connectors
These words also show contrast, but connect two separate, complete sentences rather than joining clauses directly.
The road conditions were extremely bad. Nevertheless, there were no accidents.
The classic transformation
Being able to switch between despite/in spite of and although — without changing the meaning — is one of the most common exam tasks for this function.
Despite her young age, Malala won the prize.
In spite of the bad weather, they went out.
Although she was young, Malala won the prize.
Although the weather was bad, they went out.
Common mistakes to avoid
❌ Although of the rain, we went out. → ✅ Although it was raining, we went out. / Despite the rain, we went out.
❌ Forgetting the comma: Moreover they helped. → ✅ Moreover, they helped.
Your turn — choose the correct connector
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1. She works hard. ___, she takes care of her family.
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2. ___ she was young, Malala won the Nobel Peace Prize.
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3. Malala won the prize ___ her young age.
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4. Choose the correct sentence.
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5. Which connector needs a full sentence after it?
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6. He speaks English. ___, he understands Spanish.
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7. Choose the FORMAL addition connector.
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8. “A lot has been done. ___, challenges remain.”
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9. Which is a concession connector followed by a noun?
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10. Choose the correct sentence.
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11. “Not only … but also …” is used to express ___.
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12. Choose the correct sentence.
Rewrite each sentence using the connector given in brackets, without changing the meaning:
- Despite the heavy traffic, we arrived on time. (Although)
- Although she was tired, she kept working. (Despite)
- He is talented. He is also very hard-working. (Not only … but also)
- In spite of her disability, she became a great athlete. (Even though)
- The team lost the match. They stayed positive. (Nevertheless)
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