Concession and Contrast: The Hinges of Advanced Argument

How markers like albeit, notwithstanding, and granted let writers acknowledge a point before pivoting to their main claim.

Explanation

At C1 level, your arguments need to sound less like a list of opinions and more like a conversation with a careful reader. The secret is the hinge word — a small connector that lets you admit something true, then turn the sentence in another direction. Two families of connectors do this work: concession markers, which yield ground ("I accept this, but…"), and contrast markers, which oppose ("this, not that").

The most precise C1 tools are:

• Although / even though / while — subordinator + clause.
• Despite / in spite of — preposition + noun phrase.
• Albeit — formal conjunction + noun phrase or adjective (no full clause).
• Notwithstanding — formal preposition or conjunction, flexible placement.
• Granted / granted that — admits a point briskly before rebuttal.
• Nevertheless / nonetheless / even so — sentence adverbials that close the pivot.
• However / yet / still — lighter contrast markers.
• For all / much as / be that as it may — emphatic concessions.

Think of them as hinges: the same idea opens on one side, the writer's real point closes on the other. Choosing the right hinge signals register (formal vs neutral), weight (a small aside or a major admission), and direction (yield then turn, or oppose directly).

Examples

Read each pair: the first clause yields, the hinge pivots, the second clause advances the writer's view.

1. The proposal is bold, albeit controversial.
2. Notwithstanding the cost, the project went ahead.
3. Granted, the data is limited; the trend, however, is unmistakable.
4. The report is detailed, yet it omits key context.
5. For all his experience, he underestimated the risk.
6. Much as I admire her work, I must disagree with her conclusion.
7. The figures look impressive; nevertheless, the methodology is flawed.
8. Even so, the committee decided to publish.
9. It was, be that as it may, a difficult decision to defend.
10. Despite the criticism, sales rose sharply.

Common mistakes

• Double markers. Although but… is ungrammatical. Pick one hinge: Although, but, yet, or however — never two at once.
• Despite of. The preposition is despite (no of). In spite of is the only form that takes of.
• Albeit + full clause. Albeit he was tired is non-standard. Use albeit with a noun phrase or adjective: albeit tired.
• Wrong position for notwithstanding. It can sit before or after its noun: Notwithstanding the cost… or The cost notwithstanding…. Never write notwithstanding of.
• Run-on contrast. A semicolon must precede however / nevertheless / nonetheless when they link two independent clauses: The plan has merit; however, we need more time.
• Whereas vs while. Whereas and while can introduce genuine contrast but rarely strong concession. Use although or even though for an admitted counter-point.
• Even though vs even if. Even if is hypothetical ("if X happens"); even though is factual ("X already happened").

In real life

A small editorial team is deciding whether to launch a new journal section.

Ana: The new section will attract younger readers. We should launch it next quarter.

Ben: Granted, the audience is there. Notwithstanding the current budget, I'm not sure we can staff it properly.

Ana: Although the budget is tight, we could start with freelance editors.

Ben: Freelancers bring variety, albeit less consistency.

Ana: True. Even so, the long-term brand value outweighs the risk.

Ben: For all the potential, the timing worries me. Can we revisit in three months?

Ana: Be that as it may, waiting risks losing momentum. Let's vote.