A practical english grammar - Vyssaja skola 1978

Clauses of concession
Sound symbols

In informal conversation concession is most often expressed by but.

He’s small, but he’s strong.

This trunk is big, but it isn’t heavy.

In more formal language, one of the ideas would be subordinated to the other by means of although, though, even though, even if, etc.

Although he’s small, he’s strong.

Although this trunk is big, it isn’t heavy.

Contrasting ideas are often expressed as separate sentences with parenthetic though at the end.

He’s small. He’s strong, though.

This trunk is big. It isn’t heavy, though.

Clauses of concession are also introduced by despite the fact that, in spite of the fact that, notwithstanding the fact that, regardless of the fact that. Similar meanings can often be expressed by omitting the fact that and following the initial word by a noun phrase.

Despite his small size, he’s strong.

In spite of its large size, the trunk isn’t heavy.

Concession of a generalized sort is expressed by no matter how (where, when, etc.) or with those -ever words that correspond to no matter in meaning.

No matter how hot the weather is, he doesn’t complain.

Wherever you go, you won’t find a friendlier town than this one.

No matter when you arrive, please call me at once.