Today’s episode is inspired by a message from one of our listeners who’s been exploring concessive clauses—and finding them a bit tricky to use naturally in conversation.

If you’ve ever wondered how to say things like “Strange as it may seem” or “Try as he might” without getting lost halfway through the sentence, you’re definitely not alone. Although they seem tricky, in this episode, we’ll break down these advanced structures for you, look at how they really work, and, most importantly, show you how to use them with confidence.

Email from Carmen from Málaga
I’ve been studying concessive clauses and I’ve found them difficult to use spontaneously in conversation. I’m not sure whether you’ve ever dedicated an episode to explaining them, but it could be an idea for your podcast.
Some examples:
Strange as it may seem (in spoken English it’s more common to say ‘Although it may seem strange…’)

The flat is in a lovely area, if a bit far from the city centre (I think Reza tends to use “if a bit”).

Try as he might, he just couldn’t find his keys anywhere. (in spoken English it’s more common to say ‘Even though he tried hard…’)

Confident as she was, she soon came unstuck in the interview.

We spoke about concessive clauses recently in episode 615 when we explained linking words like though, although and even though. https://inglespodcast.com/615
Concessive clauses are very common in formal English, quite frequent in written English but often simplified in spoken English.

What is a concessive clause?
A concessive clause expresses contrast—something surprising or unexpected.
Basic idea: “Although X, Y”

Examples:
Although it may seem strange, I enjoy working late.
Even though she was tired, she kept working.
She was very confident. She soon came unstuck in the interview, though.

Now let’s upgrade those basic sentences.
Standard
Although it may seem strange, I enjoy working late.
Even though she was tired, she kept on working.
She was very confident. She soon came unstuck in the interview, though.

More advanced (inversion)
Strange though/as it may seem, I enjoy working late.
Tired though/as she was, she kept on working.
Confident though/as she was, she soon came unstuck in the interview.

This advanced inverted form is more formal, literary and dramatic but less common in everyday speech.
There are different kinds, or patterns, of inversion.

Pattern 1: Adjective + though/as + subject + verb
Strange though/as it may seem…
Cold though/as it was…
Hard though/as she worked…
Meaning: = Although / Even though

Examples explained:
Strange though/as it may seem, I enjoy working late.
→ Although it may seem strange…
Cold though/as it was, they continued the journey.
→ Although it was cold…
Hard though/as she worked, she didn’t pass the exam.
→ Even though she worked hard…
Key point: The adjective/adverb comes first (this is the inversion!)

Pattern 2: Verb-based inversion
Verb + though/as + subject + might/may
Try though/as he might, he couldn’t open the door.
Meaning: = It doesn’t matter how hard he tried = No matter how hard he tried
Spoken alternative (this is what most people say in conversation):
Even though he tried hard, he couldn’t open the door.

More examples:
Search though/as they might, they found nothing.
Argue though/as he may, I won’t change my mind.

Carmen mentioned that Reza tends to use ‘if a bit….’:
The flat is in a lovely area, if a bit far from the city centre.
Structure: If + adjective
Meaning: = although / even if slightly
Examples:
It’s a good plan, if risky.
It’s possible to add an adverbial expression like ‘a bit’, ‘a little’, ‘quite’ etc.
The film was interesting, if a little slow.
He’s friendly, if sometimes a bit quiet.
She’s a good CEO, if occasionally unpredictable.

Fixed concessive expressions
These are quite advanced, formal and can be used in speeches and formal writing.
Be that as it may (Meaning: = Nevertheless / Even so)
The weather forecast looks terrible. Be that as it may, the event will go ahead as scheduled.
She has more experience than the rest of the team. Be that as it may, everyone’s input should be considered.
The results were not what we hoped for. Be that as it may, we can learn valuable lessons from the process.

Come what may (Meaning: = No matter what happens)
Come what may, we’ll finish this project.
They were determined to succeed, come what may.
She decided to follow her dream, come what may.

Say what you will (Meaning: = You can criticise if you like, but…)
Say what you will about him, (but) he’s reliable.
Say what you will, (but) that restaurant serves excellent food.
Say what you will, (but) I’m proud of what we’ve achieved with this podcast.

If you want to use some of these inversions, learn 3–4 fixed patterns
For example:
Strange though/as it may seem…
Try as/though he might…
Be that as it may…

Conclusion
Remember: Use them in prepared speech, such as presentations, meetings and formal writing. However, it’s not a good idea to force them in conversation
Formal / Advanced: Strange as it may seem
Natural Spoken: Although it may seem strange

Formal / Advanced: Try though he might
Natural Spoken: Even though he tried

Formal / Advanced: Cold as it was
Natural Spoken: Although it was cold

Formal / Advanced: If a bit expensive
Natural Spoken: (same – very common!)

…and now it’s your turn to practise your English.
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In next week’s episode: Gender-Neutral English: modern vocabulary in an age of equality

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