Concession, Contrast and Addition

1. Concession (nhượng bộ)
Concession means accepting one part of a state of affairs but putting another argument or fact against it.
_ Although they were poor, they were independent.
_ He is a bit stupid. He's very kind, nevertheless (adv- tuy nhien, tuy the ma)

Verb of concession
I acknowledge/accept that he has worked hard but it isn't enough. ( I agree but ... )
I admit I was wrong, but I still think we were right to doubt (v- nghi ngờ) her (I accept I's guilty of what I'm accused of.)
I concede that you are right about the goal, but not the method. (You have won this point)

2. Contrast (tương phản)
_ I expected Mr Widebody to be fat. The reverse was true. (he is thin)
_ We're not almost there at all; quite the opposite. We've got five miles to go yet.

_ Everywhere in Europe they use metric measures. In contrast, Britain still uses non-metric. (On the contrary means 'that is not true, but this is true')
_ It's not actually raining now. On the other hand, it may rain later, so take the umbrella. (On the other hand means 'that is true and this is true')

Note also these collocating phrases for contrast.
_ When it comes to politics, Jim and Ann are poles apart (adv) (hai thái cực tách rời).
_ There's world of difference between being a friend and a lover.
_ There's great divide between left and righ wing (n- cánh) in general.
_ A yawning gap divides rich and poor in many countries.
_ There's a huge discrepancy (n- ko thống nhất, trái ngược nhau) between his ideals and his actions.


Other examples:
_ I accept/acknowledge that you weren't solely (adv- đơn độc, chỉ có) to blame, but you must take some responsibility.
_ Okay, I admit I was wrong, you were right.
_ The company acknowledges that you have suffered some delay,but we do not accept liability.
_ She accepted/ conceded that we had done all we could, but she was still not content.

3. Addition
There are a number of way of adding one idea to another in English. You probably already know words like and, also and too.

+ Words for linking sentences/clauses:
_ For this job you need a degree. In addition, you need some experience.
_ Video cameras are becoming easier to use. Futhermore/ Moreover, they're becoming cheaper.
_ It'll takes ages to get here and it'll cost a fortune. Besides, we'll have to change trains three times at least.
_ Children should repect their parents. Equally/Likewise, they should respect their teachers.
_ We'll have all the stress of going to court and giving evidence. On top of (all) that, we'll have to pay the lawyer's bills.

+ Adding words at the end of clauses/sentences
_ They sell chairs, tables, beds, and so on / etc. (/et'setrơ)
_ He was a good sportsman and an excellent musician into the bargain/ to boot.

+ Adding words that begin or come in the middle of clauses/sentences
_ Futher to my letter of 18/9/92, I am writing to ...
_ In addition to his BA in History he has a Ph.D in Sociology.
_ He's on the school board, as well as (+N) being a local conucillor.
_ Besides/ Apart from having a salary, he also has a private income.
_ Alongside her many other hobbies she restores old racing cars.
_ Jo Evans was there, along with a few other people who I didn't know.