CELPIP concession phrases and examples

I know that {drawback}, but {main point}.

Example: I know that public transit can be crowded, but it is still cheaper than driving.

When to use it: Use when recognizing a disadvantage before maintaining your position.

Shows balance and keeps the main argument clear.

{other option} has the advantage of {benefit}, but {preferred option} is better because {reason}.

Example: Working from home has the advantage of convenience, but working in the office is better because communication is easier.

When to use it: Use when the opposing option has a real benefit that does not outweigh your reason.

Recognizes a competing advantage and then justifies the preferred choice.

This may be true when {condition}, but not when {different condition}.

Example: This may be true when traffic is light, but not when roads are congested.

When to use it: Use when a claim is valid only under certain conditions.

Limits an overgeneralization by distinguishing two situations.

Although {drawback}, {main point}.

Example: Although public transit can be crowded, it remains a more affordable option than driving.

When to use it: Use when conceding a limitation in a concise, controlled sentence.

Uses a concession clause to present a balanced but decisive position.

While {other option} does offer {benefit}, I still favour {preferred option} because {reason}.

Example: While working from home does offer greater convenience, I still favour office work because it allows faster collaboration.

When to use it: Use when acknowledging the strongest benefit of the alternative.

Creates a fair comparison and clearly explains why the preferred option remains stronger.

That may be true in cases where {condition}; however, it does not apply when {different condition}.

Example: That may be true in cases where traffic is light; however, it does not apply when roads are heavily congested.

When to use it: Use when accepting a narrow exception but rejecting a broad claim.

Defines the limits of an argument with precise conditional contrast.

Admittedly, {drawback}; nevertheless, {main point}.

Example: Admittedly, public transit can be crowded during peak hours; nevertheless, it remains substantially more affordable than driving.

When to use it: Use when openly accepting a weakness before reaffirming the stronger argument.

Combines explicit concession with a precise transition back to the main position.

There is no denying that {other option} offers {benefit}; even so, {preferred option} is more compelling because {reason}.

Example: There is no denying that remote work offers greater convenience; even so, office work is more compelling because it supports faster collaboration.

When to use it: Use when granting a significant opposing advantage while defending your conclusion.

Signals intellectual fairness and returns decisively to the stronger criterion.

The point is valid under {condition}, but its relevance diminishes considerably when {different condition}.

Example: The point is valid under light traffic conditions, but its relevance diminishes considerably when the roads are heavily congested.

When to use it: Use when explaining why an argument depends heavily on context.

Qualifies the claim by evaluating how changing conditions affect its strength.