Conjunctions of Condition & Concession

We will combine two functions of Subordinating Conjunctions in this material because both are very frequently used in everyday conversation.

The first group is Condition, which is used to say If A happens, then B will happen. The second group is Concession, which is used to say Even if A happens, B still happens (something unexpected)

1. Conjunctions of Condition

These conjunctions are used to create conditional sentences. The action in the main clause (Independent Clause) can ONLY happen if the condition in the subordinate clause (Dependent Clause) is met.

If

This is the most basic conditional conjunction.

  • I will buy a new car if I have money.
  • If it rains tomorrow, we will stay at home.

Unless

Unless has the exact same meaning as if… not. It is used to provide the only exception for an action NOT to happen.

  • You will fail the exam unless you study hard. (Meaning: If you don’t study hard, you will fail).
  • Unless you apologize, I will not speak to you again.

As long as / Provided that

Used to provide a very absolute condition. Its meaning is slightly stronger than if.

  • You can borrow my car as long as you drive carefully.

2. Conjunctions of Concession

This group of words is used to show two contrasting ideas, where the result of the action is very surprising or contrary to expectations.

Although / Even though / Though

These three words have the exact same meaning and are interchangeable. Even though is slightly stronger emotionally, while though is more often used in casual conversation.

  • Although it was raining heavily, he still went out. (Logically, if it rains heavily, people stay indoors).
  • She passed the test even though she didn’t study.

While / Whereas

Used to compare two very different things.

  • John is very tall, while his brother is quite short.
  • He earns a lot of money, whereas his wife doesn’t work.

Be Careful: Although vs. Despite / In spite of

Just like the case of because vs. because of, we have the exact same trap here! Both mean although, but grammatically, their usage is very different.

  • Although / Even though are Conjunctions. They must be followed by a full sentence (Subject + Verb).

    • Correct: We enjoyed our vacation although it rained. (Although + full sentence).

  • Despite / In spite of are Prepositions. They MUST ONLY be followed by a Noun or Noun Phrase.

    • Correct: We enjoyed our vacation despite the rain. (Despite + noun).
    • Incorrect: We enjoyed our vacation despite it rained.

Conclusion: Use if or unless to set a condition. Use although or even though to show something surprising/contrasting. And always remember that although must be followed by a sentence, while despite must be followed by a noun!