Contrast and Concession: Although, Even Though, Whereas, While, Despite, In Spite Of, Nevertheless, Much As

• We use contrast and concession linking words to show an unexpected result or a contrast between two ideas in sales discussions. Choosing the right connector depends on whether it is followed by a clause or a noun phrase.
• Connector
• Grammar Followed By
• Example
• Although / Even though
• Subject + Verb clause
• Although Boston Dynamics secured a new logo, net revenue retention fell.
• Whereas / While
• Subject + Verb clause (contrast)
• Austin focuses on account expansion, whereas Seattle relies on hunting.
• Despite / In spite of
• Noun phrase or -ing form
• Despite high acquisition costs, Chicago leaders decided to double down.
• Nevertheless
• Standalone adverb (usually at the start)
• The core segment shrank in Portland. Nevertheless, profits rose.
• Remember
• Use 'although' and 'even though' with a full clause containing a subject and a verb.
• Use 'despite' and 'in spite of' with a noun phrase, pronoun, or verb ending in -ing, never directly with a subject and verb.
• Use 'whereas' and 'while' to highlight a direct contrast between two separate clauses.
• Place 'nevertheless' at the beginning of a new sentence or after a semicolon to indicate a contrasting outcome from the previous sentence.
• Examples
• Even though Denver missed its quarterly target, the sales team celebrated early wins.
• In spite of overstretching the budget, Dallas closed the enterprise deal.
• While Atlanta pursued a land and expand motion, Miami stayed with single sales.
• Much as I admire the strategy, I doubt New York can sustain it.
• Common mistakes
• Despite we had low net revenue retention, the CEO was calm.
• Despite having low net revenue retention, the CEO was calm.
• Although the high acquisition cost, Chicago bought the startup.
• Despite the high acquisition cost, Chicago bought the startup.

Complete the sentences

• ___ [even] market saturation in San Francisco, the tech firm kept growing. (despite) ____
• ___ [although] Boston missed the target, they secured a valuable new logo. (although) ____
• Austin focused on account expansion, ___ [whereas] Seattle invested in hunting. (whereas) ____
• In ___ [spite] of high acquisition costs, Portland launched the campaign. (spite) ____
• Much ___ [much] as I respect the Dallas director, I disagree with this bet. (much) ____
• The core segment was declining; ___, [nevertheless] Denver doubled down. (nevertheless) ____

Sources: photo by TLK GentooExpressions on Pexels