Introduction
Concessive clauses express contrast or exception, similar to saying "although" or "even though" in English. They are essential for highlighting surprising or unexpected information.
Concessive Conjunctions
Common Concessive Conjunctions
- Bien que
- Meaning: "Although" or "even though"
- Example: Bien que il fasse froid, je vais courir.
- Translation: Although it is cold, I am going to run.
- Quoique
- Meaning: "Although" or "even though"
- Example: Quoique tu sois fatigué, tu dois travailler.
- Translation: Even though you are tired, you must work.
Structure
Concessive Clause + Main Clause
Examples
Using "Bien que"
- Bien que Marie soit malade, elle est venue à l'école.
- Bien que ce livre soit cher, je l'ai acheté.
Using "Quoique"
- Quoique nous n'ayons pas beaucoup de temps, nous allons visiter le musée.
- Quoique Paul soit intelligent, il fait des erreurs.
Comparison with English
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Bien que je sois fatigué, je vais sortir. | Although I am tired, I will go out. |
| Quoique ce soit difficile, je vais essayer. | Even though it is difficult, I will try. |
Concessive Clauses in Context
Concessive clauses are used to introduce information that contrasts with what might be expected. They add depth to explanations and arguments by highlighting exceptions or surprising facts.
Key Points
- Concessive clauses in French often require the subjunctive mood.
- Bien que and quoique both introduce a sense of contrast or unexpectedness.
- These structures help emphasize the unexpected nature of the action or situation.
Practice Sentences
- Complete the sentence: Bien que le film soit long, ...
- Create a sentence with quoique: Quoique je n'aime pas le sport, ...
- Translate: "Although the weather is bad, we will go hiking."