Concessive clauses (reduced)
C1 AdvancedReduced concessive clauses use conjunctions like 'although' or 'while' followed by an adjective or participle phrase to create concise contrast. They are common in formal writing and require the subject of both clauses to be identical.
Overview
Concessive clauses introduce information that contrasts with the main clause. In formal registers, these clauses are often reduced by omitting the subject and the verb to be. This reduction is only grammatically possible when the subject of the concessive clause is the same as the subject of the main clause.
Form
Conjunction + Adjective / Participle phrase
The reduction typically follows a conjunction such as although, though, while, or even if. The remaining element is usually an adjective, a past participle, or a present participle phrase.
Examples
Common mistakes
Although raining, we decided to go for a walk.
Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.
You cannot reduce the clause if the subject is the 'dummy it' (weather); the subjects must be identical.
Though a talented musician, the piano was out of tune.
Though a talented musician, he found the piano was out of tune.
This is a dangling modifier; the 'talented musician' must refer to the subject of the main clause, not the piano.
Practice
Rewrite using a reduced clause: 'Although he was aware of the risks, the climber decided to continue.'
Show answer
Although aware of the risks, the climber decided to continue.
Answer:Although aware of the risks, the climber decided to continue.
Why:The subject 'he' and the verb 'was' are removed, leaving the adjective phrase 'aware of the risks'.
Is this sentence correct? 'While working in London, the office was very small.'
Show answer
No
Answer:No
Why:The subject of the main clause is 'the office', but the person 'working' is not the office. The subjects do not match.
Complete the sentence with a reduced clause: 'Though _______ (shock) by the news, she remained calm.'
Show answer
shocked
Answer:shocked
Why:A past participle is used here to describe the subject's state after receiving the news.