CONCESSION EXERCISES

PART A
A. Rewrite as indicated below. The first is already done as an example
1. Pam was not felling well, however she went to school.
Although Pam was not feeling well, she went to school.
In spite of not feeling well, Pam went to school.
2. Tom was seriously advised by his teacher, but he insisted in disturbing the class.
a. Although.........................................................................................................................................
b. In spite of ......................................................................................................................................
3. Mary tried several times, but she couldnt find a taxi.
a. Although, .......................................................................................................................................
b. In spite of ......................................................................................................................................
4. Although he felt tired, he stayed up to keep us company.
Despite ..............................................................................................................................................
5. They didnt have much time, however they came to visit us.
In spite of ..........................................................................................................................................
6. He is too old, but he still does his gymnastics every morning.
a. Although ........................................................................................................................................
b. Despite ..........................................................................................................................................
7. Although the shirts are very expensive, people buy them because they are trendy.
In spite of ..........................................................................................................................................
8. Although he had no qualifications for it, he got the job.
In spite of ..........................................................................................................................................
9. I didnt like the CD you have recommended me, but I bought it all the same.
a. Although ........................................................................................................................................
b. In spite of.......................................................................................................................................
10. I told her all the truth. However she didnt believe me.
a) Although ........................................................................................................................................
b) In spite of.......................................................................................................................................
11. They didnt play well, but they won the game.
a) Although ........................................................................................................................................
b) Despite ..........................................................................................................................................
12. They felt very cold but they didnt turn on the heater.
Despite ..............................................................................................................................................
13. Bill had a terrible headache. However he kept working.
a) Although ........................................................................................................................................
b) In spite of ......................................................................................................................................
14. He has all the necessary books but he doesnt use them to study.
Despite ..............................................................................................................................................
15. She works very hard but she doesnt deserve a raise.
a) Although ........................................................................................................................................
b) In spite of ......................................................................................................................................
16. She is not prepared for the test, but she has to do it.
Despite .............................................................................................................................................
Page 1

CONCESSION EXERCISES
17. She was ill but she had to go to school.
Although ...........................................................................................................................................
18. It was a nice sunny but there was nobody at the beach.
a) Although ........................................................................................................................................
b) Is spite of ......................................................................................................................................
19. He arrived later but he finished work earlier than the others.
Although ...........................................................................................................................................
20. The new waitress seems honest and diligent. However the boss doesnt like her.
a) Although ........................................................................................................................................
b) In spite of ......................................................................................................................................
Exercise 1: Rewrite the sentences
1. Although Henry is a millionaire, he hates spending money.
.....................................................................................................................................................
2. Mark went on working although he felt unwell.
.....................................................................................................................................................
3. They slept soundly although the night air was hot.
.....................................................................................................................................................
4. . Although she was successful, she felt dissatisfied.
.....................................................................................................................................................
5. Although the boat was full of water, it sailed on.
.....................................................................................................................................................
6. Although the children were poor, they seemed happy.
.....................................................................................................................................................
7. We couldnt get tickets although we queued for an hour.
.....................................................................................................................................................
8. I enjoyed the film although the story was silly.
.....................................................................................................................................................
9. He didnt arrive until 9 oclock although he promised that he wouldnt be late.
.....................................................................................................................................................
10. Although he was seriously ill, he was determined to finish his work.
In spite of.....................................................................................................................................
11. Ive still got the camera because no one has claimed it.
Because it ...................................................................................................................................
12. Because of driving too fast, he caused a serious accident.
Because .......................................................................................................................................
13. We took many pictures although the sky was cloudy. >>In spite of
.....................................................................................................................................................
14. We understand him in spite of his strong accent. >> Although
.....................................................................................................................................................
15. Although he is wealthy, he is not spoiled. >> Despite
.....................................................................................................................................................
16. Despite a good salary, he was unhappy in his job. >> Though
.....................................................................................................................................................
Page 2

CONCESSION EXERCISES
17. In spite of the high prices, my roommates go to the movies every Saturday. >>Although
.....................................................................................................................................................
18. Even though she had a poor memory, she told interesting stories to the children. >>Despite
.....................................................................................................................................................
19. In spite of their poverty, they are very generous. >> Although
.....................................................................................................................................................
20. Though she has been absent frequently, he has managed to pass the test. >> Despite
.....................................................................................................................................................
21. In spite of Lees Sadness at losing the contest, she managed to smile. >> Although
.....................................................................................................................................................
22. My friend ate the chocolate cake even though she was on a diet. >>Despite
.....................................................................................................................................................
23. In spite of a headache, he enjoyed the film. >> Although
.....................................................................................................................................................
24. My sister will take a plane even though she dislikes flying. >>In spite of
.....................................................................................................................................................
25. He isnt happy although he is very rich. >>Despite
.....................................................................................................................................................
26. Even though he got a good job, he was not satisfied. >> Despite
.....................................................................................................................................................
27. Although he often tells lies, many people believe him. >> Despite
.....................................................................................................................................................
28. Mary didnt go to school yesterday because she was sick. >> Because of
.....................................................................................................................................................
29. She went to bed early because she felt tired. >>Because of
.....................................................................................................................................................
30. Margaret stayed at home because her mother was sick. >> Because of
.....................................................................................................................................................
31. I couldnt do the test because it was difficult. >> Because of
.....................................................................................................................................................
32. I couldnt read the letter because it was dark. >> Because of
.....................................................................................................................................................
33. I cant study because it is noisy. >> Because of
.....................................................................................................................................................
34. The train come late because it was foggy. >> Because of
.....................................................................................................................................................
35. The train was late because the fog was thick. >> Because of
.....................................................................................................................................................
36. I cant sleep because the weather is hot. >> Because of
.....................................................................................................................................................
37. All the teacher love him because his conduct is good. >> Because of
.....................................................................................................................................................
38. Because there was a traffic accident, I went to school late. >> Because of
Page 3

CONCESSION EXERCISES
.....................................................................................................................................................
39. Because there is a shortage of meet, we had to live on beans. >> Because of
.....................................................................................................................................................
40. Because there was a lack of water, many trees died rapidly. >> Because of
.....................................................................................................................................................
41. She walked slowly because her leg was injured. >> Because of
.....................................................................................................................................................
42. Because it was sunny, we decided to go camping. >> Because of
.....................................................................................................................................................
Exercise 2 : Complete these sentences, using because or because of + one of these phrases :
the strong wind
my computer isnt working
flooding on the road
the streets were covered in ice
her illness

growing unrest in the country

I can hear the waves
the mist
my mother has arrived
prices were falling

1. _____, I wont be able to meet you on Thursday after all.

Because my mother has arrived, I wont be able to meet you on Thursday after all.
2. She couldnt complete the work _____.
She couldnt complete the work because of her illness.
3. The boat couldnt put to sea _____.
.........................................................................................................................................................
4. _____, they couldnt sell their house.
.........................................................................................................................................................
5. I cant print out the letter _____.
.........................................................................................................................................................
6. When we got to the top of the hill we couldnt see anything _____.
.........................................................................................................................................................
7. She walked carefully _____.
.........................................................................................................................................................
8. We must be near the beach, _____.
.........................................................................................................................................................
9. The Prime Minister returned home _____.
.........................................................................................................................................................
10. We couldnt get to his house _____.
.........................................................................................................................................................
Exercise 4 : Complete the sentences with although/ in spite of/ because/ because of.
1. ____________ the meetings at 2. 00, I wont be late to see you.
2. ____________ I told the absolute truth, no one would believe me.
3. The goods were never delivered ____________ the promise we had received.
4. My mother is always complaining ___________ the untidiness of my room.
5. I didnt get the job ____________ I had all the necessary qualifications.
Page 4

CONCESSION EXERCISES
6. Its unsafe to travel in that country _____________ the ongoing civil war.
7. The villagers refused to leave ___________ the drought.
8. ____________ everything looked different, I had no idea where to go.
9. __________ his age, John was not hired ___________ he had the necessary qualifications.
10. You cant enter this secure area _____________ you dont have an official permit.
11. ___________ it was sunny, it was quite a cold day.
12. Several people in the crowd became ill and fainted ___________ the extreme heat.
13. ____________ having a bad cough, she was able to sing in the choir.
14. ___________ I had nothing for lunch but an apple, I ate dinner early.
15. Sarah cant climb up the tree ___________ her fear of heights.
Exercise 5: Rewrite sentence
1. He is rich but He isnt happy. ( Although )
.........................................................................................................................................................
2. Cars cause pollution but people still want them. ( although )
.........................................................................................................................................................
3. Mr. Nam was successful in his life although he came from a poor family. ( despite )
.........................................................................................................................................................
4. Though he is intelligent, he cant do all these tests well. ( in spite of )
.........................................................................................................................................................
5. In spite of his much experience in machinery , he didnt succeed in repairing this machine .
( Although )
.........................................................................................................................................................
6. Dont shout at her in spite of her laziness. ( Though )
.........................................................................................................................................................
7. It was raining heavily but I went swimming . ( in spite of )
.........................................................................................................................................................
8. Though Lan is beautiful and intelligent, she is never proud of herself. (As )
.........................................................................................................................................................
9. Lan is always admired by her friends because she is intelligent. ( Because of )
.........................................................................................................................................................
10. We dont spend much time on our homework because a lot of devices for the home were invented.
( Because of )
.........................................................................................................................................................
11. We always trust Nam because he is wise and honest. ( Because of )
.........................................................................................................................................................
12. Because of Lans poverty, she cant continue her study at the university. ( Because )
.........................................................................................................................................................
: Because; because of; although/ though/ even though; in spite of/ despite
1) We took many pictures although the sky was cloudy. >>In spite of
.........................................................................................................................................................
2) We understand him in spite of his strong accent. >> Although
.........................................................................................................................................................
3) Although he is wealthy, he is not spoiled. >> Despite
Page 5

CONCESSION EXERCISES
.........................................................................................................................................................
4) Despite a good salary, he was unhappy in his job. >> Though
.........................................................................................................................................................
5) In spite of the high prices, my roommates go to the movies every Saturday. >>Although
.........................................................................................................................................................
6) Even though she had a poor memory, she told interesting stories to the children. >>Despite
.........................................................................................................................................................
7) In spite of their poverty, they are very generous. >> Although
.........................................................................................................................................................
8) Though she has been absent frequently, he has managed to pass the test. >> Despite
.........................................................................................................................................................
9) In spite of Lees Sadness at losing the contest, she managed to smile. >> Although
.........................................................................................................................................................
10) My friend ate the chocolate cake even though she was on a diet. >>Despite
.........................................................................................................................................................
11) In spite of a headache, he enjoyed the film. >> Although
.........................................................................................................................................................
12) My sister will take a plane even though she dislikes flying. >>In spite of
.........................................................................................................................................................
13) He isnt happy although he is very rich. >>Despite
.........................................................................................................................................................
14) Even though he got a good job, he was not satisfied. >> Despite
.........................................................................................................................................................
15) Although he often tells lies, many people believe him. >> Despite
.........................................................................................................................................................
16) Mary didnt go to school yesterday because she was sick. >> Because of
.........................................................................................................................................................
17) She went to bed early because she felt tired. >>Because of
.........................................................................................................................................................
18) Margaret stayed at home because her mother was sick. >> Because of
.........................................................................................................................................................
19) I couldnt do the test because it was difficult. >> Because of
.........................................................................................................................................................
20) I couldnt read the letter because it was dark. >> Because of
.........................................................................................................................................................
21) I cant study because it is noisy. >> Because of
.........................................................................................................................................................
22) The train come late because it was foggy. >> Because of
.........................................................................................................................................................
23) The train was late because the fog was thick. >> Because of
.........................................................................................................................................................
24) I cant sleep because the weather is hot. >> Because of
.........................................................................................................................................................
Page 6

CONCESSION EXERCISES
25) All the teacher love him because his conduct is good. >> Because of
.........................................................................................................................................................
26) Because there was a traffic accident, I went to school late. >> Because of
.........................................................................................................................................................
27) Because there is a shortage of meet, we had to live on beans. >> Because of
.........................................................................................................................................................
28) Because there was a lack of water, many trees died rapidly. >> Because of
.........................................................................................................................................................
29) She walked slowly because her leg was injured. >> Because of
.........................................................................................................................................................
30) Because it was sunny, we decided to go camping. >> Because of
.........................................................................................................................................................

PART B
CONCESSION CLAUSES
CONCESSION ALTHOUGH
Example: Although he loves only next door, I never see him.
Exercise 1
1. The car isnt very nice, but it serves its purpose.
Although ...........................................................................................................................................
2. Betty isnt very tall, but she can run very fast.
Although ...........................................................................................................................................
3. He doesnt have much money, but he wants to buy car.
Although............................................................................................................................................
4. There wasnt much food at the party. However, everybody had a good time.
Although............................................................................................................................................
5. Hes a hard worker. However he van newer save enough to buy a car
Although. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CONCESSION (EVEN) THOUGH = NEVERTHELESS
ALL THE SAME
Examples: They were boring, (even) though well-educated.
Though they were well-educated, they were boring.
Educated though they were, they were very boring.
They were well-educated. Nevertheless they were boring.
They were well-educated. All the same they were boring.
Exercise 2
1. He didnt tell me why hed been late, but I knew it all the same.
He didnt tell me why hed been late, but I knew it ..........................................................................
2. Its rather cold, but I think Ill go for a walk.
Even though ......................................................................................................................................
3. She was unattractive but still had many friends.
Even though ......................................................................................................................................
4. She was unattractive but still had many friends.
Page 7

CONCESSION EXERCISES
Unattractive .......................................................................................................................................

5. Though theyd lived in London for years, they always spoke German.
Theyd lived in London for years .....................................................................................................
CONCESSION MAY BUT = I ADMIT THAT
I GRAND THAT
I CONCEDE THAT
Note: Grant and concede are rarely used in current English.
Examples: He may have been brought up in Poland, but he has a perfect English accent.
I admit that he was brought up in Poland, but he has a perfect English accent.
I grant that he was brought up in Poland, but he has a perfect English accent.
I concede that he was brought up in Poland, but he has a perfect English
accent.
Exercise 3
1. Although he was brought up in Poland, he has a perfect English accent.
He may ..............................................................................................................................................
2. Although shes a girl, she plays football as well as any boy.
She may .............................................................................................................................................
3. Although shes very rich, she never gives a penny to the poor.
She may .............................................................................................................................................
4. Although my sisters very intelligent and pretty, she doesnt have a boyfriend.
I concede ...........................................................................................................................................
5. Although he sometimes behaves like a fool, hes really very intelligent.
I grand ...............................................................................................................................................
CONCESSION COMPOUNDS IN EVER (HOWEWER,
WHATEVER)
Note: When we use however in clauses of concession, it must be followed by an adjective or an
adverb.
Examples: However hard he studies, he wont pass the exam.
Whatever happens, I will always love you.
Exercise 4
1. Although I tried hard, I couldnt find the book you lent me.
However ............................................................................................................................................
2. Although he may have some strong points, intelligence is one of them.
Whatever ...........................................................................................................................................
3. Although he loves Joan very much, he isnt going to marry her.
However ............................................................................................................................................
4. Although she buys a lot of new dresses every month, she always dresses shabbily.
However ............................................................................................................................................
5. Even if our new house is very nice, well still miss our old flat.
However ............................................................................................................................................
CONCESSION NO MATTER
IT DOESNT MATTER
Examples: No matter how hard I try, I will never pass the exam
It doesnt matter how hard I try, I will never pass the exam
Page 8

CONCESSION EXERCISES
Exercise 5
1. Although he makes a lot of money, he cant save anything.
No matter ..........................................................................................................................................
2. No matter what she said, no one paid any attention.
Whatever ...........................................................................................................................................
3. However hard she tried, she couldnt lift the suitcase.
No ......................................................................................................................................................
4. Although he loves Joan very much, he isnt going to marry her.
No ......................................................................................................................................................
5. It doesnt matter how much you earn, you shouldnt waste money.
Although ...........................................................................................................................................
CONCESSION ADJECTIVE/ADVERB + AS
Note: This structure is used only with adjectives and adverbs in the front position.
Example: Much as I love Mary, I will not marry her.
Exercise 6
1. Although Betty is attractive, she cant find herself a boyfriend.
Attractive ...........................................................................................................................................
2. Although it seems incredible, my grandma is getting married again.
Incredible ..........................................................................................................................................
3. Although I love travelling very much, I cant afford to go to Japan.
Much .................................................................................................................................................
4. However rich he may be, I wouldnt like to be in his shoes.
Rich ...................................................................................................................................................
5. No matter how nice she may be, I dont like her
Nice ...................................................................................................................................................
CONCESSION IN SPITE OF
DESPITE
Examples: In spite of all her money, she always wears old clothes.
Despite the fact that she has all that money, she always wear old clothes
Despite having all that money, she always wears old clothes.
Exercise 7
1. He doesnt have much money, but he wants to buy a car.
He wants to buy a car despite ...........................................................................................................
2. We all enjoyed the walk even though it rained.
In .......................................................................................................................................................
3. We managed to talk seriously although there were a lot of people around.
In .......................................................................................................................................................
4. The bag was heavy but she managed to carry it herself.
Despite ..............................................................................................................................................
5. His mother refused to let him go to the party but he went anyway.
He went to the party in spite .............................................................................................................
CONCESSION IN SPITE OF
DESPITE
Examples : For all my money, I feel very poor.
Page 9

CONCESSION EXERCISES
In spite of all my money, I feel very poor.
Exercise 8
1. Whatever you may promise, I dont believe a word.
For all ................................................................................................................................................
2. In spite of his hard work, he hasnt been promoted for five years.
For all ................................................................................................................................................
3. Whatever you may say about Mary, I will not change my opinion about her.
For all ................................................................................................................................................
4. Say what you will about her husband, I do not like him.
For all ................................................................................................................................................
5. For all the help of their friends, they were unable to cope with all the problems.
In spite ...............................................................................................................................................
CONCESSION EVEN IF
EVEN THOUGH
Note: Even if is sometimes followed by should or an emphatically stressed verb.
Examples: Even if it costs a lot, I want to buy it.
Even if it should cost a lot, I want to buy it.
Even if it does cost a lot, I want to buy it.
Even though it costs a lot, I want to buy it.
Exercise 9
1. I couldnt love Betty less, even though she may have had another boyfriend.
I couldnt love Betty less, even .........................................................................................................
2. It might be cold, but well still go for a walk.
Even if ...............................................................................................................................................
3. Im not going to accept their offer, although they might give me a big salary.
Even if ...............................................................................................................................................
4. She is beautiful and intelligent, but Im not going to marry her.
Even though ......................................................................................................................................
5. She is beautiful and intelligent, but Im not going to marry her.
Im not going to marry her ................................................................................................................
CONCESSION ALTHOUGH
EVEN THOUGH
IN SPITE OF
Examples: Although the weather was bad, we went for a walk
Even though the weather was bad, we went for a walk.
In spite of the bad weather, we went for a walk.
Exercise 10
1. In spite of being tired, we went to the museum.
Even ..................................................................................................................................................
2. In spite of the rain, the competition took place as planned.
Even ..................................................................................................................................................
He went bankrupt, even though hed worked very hard
He went bankrupt, in .........................................................................................................................
4. I hate to have to tell you this, but you are wrong.
Page 10

CONCESSION EXERCISES
I have to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5. In spite of her loving family, she wasnt happy.

Although . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CONDITIONS AND SUPPOSITIONS
Note: Conditions are usually expressed by if but other structures are possible, eg. :
unless, without, so, although, in spite of, despite, on condition (that), so/as long as,
suppose, supposing (that), provided (that).
CONDITIONS IF
Examples: If I have enough money, I will buy a car.
If I had enough money, I would buy a car.
If I were you, I would buy a car.
If I had had enough money last year, I would have bough a car.
If I had had enough money last year, I would have a car today.
Exercise 11
1. They had planned to visit us, but Mary fell ill
If ........................................................................................................................................................
2. Mr Smith modernised his factory years ago, and now hes rich.
If ........................................................................................................................................................
3. Open the door, or I wont be able to come in.
If ........................................................................................................................................................
4. I feel terrible because I broke her new mirror last night.
If ........................................................................................................................................................
5. He didnt study for the test so he failed.
If ........................................................................................................................................................
6. I must wear glasses because I didnt take proper care of my eyes when I was young.
I would ..............................................................................................................................................
7. I was able to find my way only because I asked a passer-by for directions.
I would ..............................................................................................................................................
8. You have blisters on your feet because you walked too much yesterday.
If ........................................................................................................................................................
9. You dont work here and that is why you cant enter without a pass.
If ........................................................................................................................................................
10. Remind me of her birthday on time, or I will not send her birthday card.
I wont ...............................................................................................................................................
ANSWER KEY
EXERCISE 1
1. Although the car isn't very nice, it serves its purpose.
2. Although Betty isn't very tall, she can run very fast.
3. Although he doesn't have much money, he (still) wants to buy a car.
4. Although there wasn't much food at the party, everybody had a good time.
5. Although he is a, hard worker, he, can never save enough to buy a car.
EXERCISE 2
1. a) He didn't tell me why he'd been late, but I knew it though, b) He didn't tell me why he'd been
Page 11

CONCESSION EXERCISES
late, but I knew it nevertheless.
2. Even though it's rather cold, I think I'll go for a walk,
3. Even though she was unattractive, she still had many friends.
4. Unattractive though/as she was, she stilt had many friends.
5. a) They'd lived in London for years- Nevertheless they always spoke German,
b) They'd lived in London for years. All the same they always spoke German.
EXERCISE 3
1. He may have been brought up in Poland, but he has a perfect English accent.
2. She may be a girl, but she plays football as well as any boy.
3. She may be very rich, but she never gives a penny to the poor.
4. I concede that my sister's very intelligent and pretty, but she doesn't have a boyfriend.
5. I grant that he sometimes behaves like a fool, but he's really very intelligent.
EXERCISE 4
1. However hard I tried. 1 couldn't find the book you lent me.
2. Whatever strong points she may have, intelligence isn't one of them,
3. However much he may love/loves Joan, he isn't going to marry her.
4. However many new dresses she buys every month, she always dresses shabbily. 5. However nice
our new house is, we'll still miss our old flat.
EXERCISE 5
1. No matter how much money he makes, he can't save anything.
2. Whatever she said, no one paid any attention.
3. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't lift the suitcase.
4. No matter how much he loves Joan, he isn't going to marry her.
5. Although you may earn a lot, you shouldn't waste money.
EXERCISE 6
1. Attractive as/though Betty is, she can't find herself a boyfriend.
2. Incredible as/though it seems, my grand - mother is getting married again.
3. Much as I love travelling, I can't afford to go to Japan.
4. Rich as/though he may be, I wouldn't like to be in his shoes.
5. Nice as she may be, I don't like her.
EXERCISE 7
1. a) He wants to buy a car despite the fact (that) he doesn't have much money,
b) He wants to buy a car despite (his) having little money, c) He wants to buy a car despite not
having
much money.
2. In spite of the rain we alt enjoyed the walk.
3. a) In spite of all those people around, we managed to talk seriously, b) In spite of the number of
people around, we managed to talk seriously, [c) In spite of there being so many people around, we
managed to talk seriously. ] [d) In spite of the fact that there were so many people around, we
managed
to talk seriously. ]
4. a) Despite the (heavy) weight of the bag, she managed to carry it herself,
b) Despite the fact that the bag was very heavy, she managed to carry it herself.
5. He went to the party in spite of his mother's refusal to1et him go.
Page 12

CONCESSION EXERCISES
EXERCISE 8
1. a) For all your promises, I don't believe a word. b) For all you promise, I don't believe a word.
2. For all his hard work, he hasn't been promoted fur five years,
3. For all you may say about Mary, I will not change my opinion about her.
4. For all you may/might say about her husband, I do not like him.
5. In spite of all the help of their friends, [hey were unable to cope with all the problems.
EXERCISE 9
1. I couldn't love Betty less, even if she has had/had/had had another boyfriend.
2. a) Even if it's cold, we shall still go for a walk. b) Even if it should be cold, we shall still go for a
walk.
3. a) Even if they do give me a big salary, I'm not going to accept their offer,
b) Even if they should give me a big salary, I'm not going to accept their offer,
c) Even if they were to give me a big salary, I'm not going to accept their offer.
4. Even though she is beautiful and intelligent, I'm not going to marry her.
5. a) I'm not going to marry liar, even if she is beautiful and intelligent, b) I'm not going to marry her,
even if she (should) be beautiful and intelligent, c) I'm not going to marry her, although she is
beautiful and intelligent, d) I'm not going to marry her, however beautiful and intelligent she
is/might
be. e) I'm not going to marry her despite/in spite of the fact that she is beautiful and intelligent. f) I'm
not going to marry her despite/in spite of her being beautiful and intelligent.
EXERCISE 10
1. Even though we were tired, we went to the museum.
2. Even though it rained/was raining, the competition took place as planned.
3. a) He went bankrupt, in spite of his hard work/working hard. b) He went bankrupt, in spite of the
fact that he'd worked hard.
4. a) I have to tell you that you are wrong, even though I hate to (do it/say so).
b) I have to tell you that you are wrong, much as 1 hate to (do it), c) I have to tell you that you are
wrong, although I hate to (do it), [d) I have to tell you that you are wrong, in spite of/despite [he fact
that I hate to (do it/say so). ] [e) I have to tell you that you are wrong, in spite of/despite hating to
<do
it/say so-).
5. Although she had a loving family, she wasn't happy.
EXERCISE 11
1. a) If Mary hadn't fallen ill, they would have visited us, b) If Mary had been well, they would have
visited us.
2. a) If Mr. Smith hadn't modernized his factory years ago, he wouldn't be rich now. b) If Mr. Smith
hadn't modernized his factory years ago, he would be poor now.
3. a) If you don't open the door, I won't be able to come in. b) If you open the door, I will be able to
come in.
4. If I hadn't broken her new mirror last night, I wouldn't feel so terrible.
5. a) If he had studied for the test, he wouldn't have failed. b) If he had studied for
the test, he would have passed it.
6. I wouldn't have to wear glasses, if I had taken proper care of my eyes when was young.
7. I wouldn't have been able to find my way if I hadn't asked a passer-by for directions.
Page 13

CONCESSION EXERCISES
8. a) If you hadnt walked so much yesterday, you wouldn't have blisters on your feet. b) If you had
walked less yesterday, you wouldn't have blisters on your feet.
9. If you worked here you could enter without a pass.
10. I won't send her a birthday card if you don't remind me of her birthday on time.
Adapted by Anna Pawecka from Tests In English Structural Conversion by Mariusz Misztal,WSiP

PART C
I. Choose the correct comletion:
1. (Even though / Despite) her doctor warned her, Carol has continued to smoke nearly three packs of
cigarettes a day.
2. (Even though / Despite) her doctors warnings, Carol has continued to smoke nearly three packs of
cigarettes a day.
3. (Even though / Despite) the warnings her doctor gave her, Carol has continued to smoke nearly three
packs of cigarettes a day.
4. (Even though / Despite) the fact that her doctor warned her of dangers to her health, Carol continues to
smoke.
5. (Even though / Despite) she has been warned about the danger of smoking by her doctor, Carol continues
to smoke.
6. (Although / In spite of) an approaching storm, the two climbers continued their trek up the mountain.
7. (Although / In spite of) a storm was approaching, the two climbers continued their trek.
8. (Even though / In spite of) the storm that was approaching the mountain area, the two climbers continues
their trek.
9. (Although / Despite) his many hours of practice, George failed his driving test for the third time.
10. (Although / Despite) he had practised for many hours, George failed his driving test for the third time.
11. (Although / Despite) practising for many hours, George failed his driving test again.
12. (Although / Despite) his mother and his fathers efforts to teach him how to drive, George failed his
driving test.
II. Complete the following sentences with although, despite, because, because of
1. _____________it rained a lot, we enjoyed our holiday.
2. A. ___________all our careful plans, a lot of things went wrong.
B. ___________we had planned everything carefully, a lot of things went wrong.
3. A. I went home early ____________I was feeling unwell.
Page 14

CONCESSION EXERCISES
B. I went to work the next day____________I was still feeling unwell.
4. A. She only accepted the job __________the salary, which was very high.
B. She accepted the job _____________the salary, which was rather low.
5. A. I managed to get to sleep ____________there was a lot of noise.
B. I couldnt get to sleep _____________the noise.
III. Choose the best answer:
1. _________ having the best qualifications among all the applicants, Justin was not offered the job.
A. Although

B. While

C. In spite of

D. Despite of

2. ________ the internet is very popular, many older people do not know how to use it.
A. However

B. Nevertheless

C. Even though

D. Despite

3. _________ he wasnt feeling very well, David was determined to take part in the inter-university athletics
meet.
A. Although

B. While

C. Where as

D. yet

4. They were brave and persistent. _________, they had no chance of winning.
A. However

B. While

C. Although

D. Whereas

5. Bob has been working very hard these days. ________, he cant afford to buy a new car.
A. While

B. Even though

C. Though

D. Nevertheless

6. __________ what she prepared for the job interview, Megan didnt pass it.
A. Despite of

B. In spite of

C. Though

D. However

7. Josh is one of the best student of the school. _________, he cant pass the national chemistry exam.
A. However

B. Although

C. In spite of the fact that

D. Despite of the fact that

8. Bruce was not praised_________ he was a hard worker.

A. despite

B. in spite of

C. although

D. despite of

9. It looks like they are going to succeed_________ their present difficulties.

A. despite

B. although

C. in spite

D. even though

10. Mery usually goes to parties. She likes meeting people and crowded places ________she is rather shy.
A. In spite of

B. Even though

C. On the contrary D. In other words

11. Ann: Have you decided to get the job?

Terry: Yes, Ive just decided. Ill accept that job_________ it is not suitable with my major. It is not an
interesting job,________ the salary is very good.
Page 15

CONCESSION EXERCISES
A. although / but

B. despite / and

C. but / though

D. yet / however

12. ________ he has continued to work on his thesis.

A. Although all these problems

B. Even though there are problems

C. Despite all these problems

D. In spite of there are problems

17. In spite of ____________, he was determined to finish his work.

A. was seriously ill.

B. be seriously ill

C. his serious illness

D. he was seriously ill

13. _______ some German and British management styles are similar, there are many differences between
them.
A. In spite

B. In spite of

C. although

D. Despite

C. despite

D. despite of

14. I could not eat _______ I was very hungry.

A. even though

B. in spite

15. In spite _______, the baseball game was not cancelled.

A. the rain

B. of the rain

B. it was raining

D. there was a rain

16. _______ he had enough money, he refused to buy a new car.

A. In spite

B. In spite of

C. Despite

D. Although

17. _______, he walked to the station.

A. Despite being tired
tired

B. Although to be tired C. In spite being

D. Despite tired

18. The children slept well, despite _______.

A. it was noise

B. the noise

C. of the noise

D. noisy

C. in spite of

D. despite

19. She left him _______ she still loved him.

A. even if

B. even though

20. _______ her lack of hard work, she was promoted.

A. In spite

B. Even though

C. In spite of

D. Despite of

C. Despite

D. In spite of

21. _______ they are brothers, they do not look like.

A. Although

B. Even

22. Our new neighbors are quite nice _______ they are sometimes talkative.
A. despite

B. in spite of

C. though

D. as though

23. _______ of the difficulty, they managed to climb to the top of the mountain.
A. In spite

B. Despite

24. _____________, he could not finish the job.

Page 16

C. But

D. Although

CONCESSION EXERCISES
A. As hard as he work

B. Despite he worked

hard
C. Though he worked hard

D. Although hard work

25. He went to work _____________ his headache.

A. despite

B. although

C. because

D. because of

C. he denied

D. his denial

26. Despite _______, we knew that he was guilty.

A. denied

B. of denying

27. Despite the fact that _______, we enjoyed our trip.

A. the weather is bad

B. it is a bad weather C. the bad weather

D. the weather was bad

28. Julie failed the exam _______ of working very hard.
A. despite

B. in spite

C. even if

D. though

29. Tom went to work despite _______.

A. that he did not feel very well

B. of the fact not feeling well

C. he did not feel very well

D. not feeling very well

30. Though _______, they are good friends.

A. their sometimes quarrel

B. to have a quarrel sometimes

C. they sometimes have a quarrel

D. of having a quarrel sometimes

31. Despite _______, we arrived on time.

A. the traffic

B. of the traffic

C there was heavy traffic

D. of there was heavy traffic

32. ___________it was very cold, she did not put on her coat.
A. In case

B. But

C. Even if

D. Although

IV. Choose the sentence which has the closest meaning to the original one.
1. Mary tried to keep calm although she was very disappointed.
A. Mary was too disappointed to keep calm.
B. Despite her disappointment, Mary tried to keep calm.
C. Mary lost her temper because of her disappointment.
D. Feeling disappointed, Mary tried to keep calm, but she failed.
2. Even though it was raining heavily, the explorers decided to continue their journey.
A. It rained so heavily that the explorers could not continue their journey.
Page 17

CONCESSION EXERCISES
B. The explorers put off their journey due to the heavy rain.
C. The heavy rain could not prevent the explorers from continuing their journey.
D. If it had rained heavily, the explorers would not have continued their journey.
3. Despite his ability to do the job, he was not offered the position.
A. It was his ability that helped him do the job and get the position.
B. Although he was able to do the job, but he was not offered the position.
C. He was not offered the position, regardless of his ability to do the job.
D. If he had enough ability to do the job, he would be offered the position.
4. He had worked very hard but he failed.
A. Hard as he worked, he failed.
B. Thanks to his hard work, he failed.
C. He did not succeeded because of his being hard working.
D. Even though being hard-working, he failed.
V. Error identification:
1. I didnt get the job offered despite I had all necessary qualifications.
A
B
C
D
2. Despite of his age, he works very hard.
A
B
C
D
3. Although he was badly ill, but he still kept his dental appointment.
A
B
C
D
4. Although it has been raining heavily for hours, the whole village is flooded.
A
B
C
D

Page 18