Formal Concession

Concession links two ideas that seem to contradict each other. One part sets a condition that should stop the other. But the other part happens regardless of that condition. In Portuguese, this usually triggers the subjunctive mood. Why? Because you are highlighting the tension between the two ideas. It’s not just a statement of fact like mas. It creates a specific flow in the sentence. The main clause remains the focus of the action. The concessive clause provides the background context of the struggle. It’s like saying, "Yeah, I know it's raining, but I'm going out."

1. 1Pick your formal connector like embora or conquanto.
2. 2Place it at the start of the dependent clause.
3. 3Change the verb to the Presente do Subjuntivo or Pretérito Imperfeito do Subjuntivo.
4. 4Ensure the main clause stays in the Indicativo.
5. 5Match the connector to the level of formality you need.
6. 6Embora + Subjunctive: The standard gold level.
7. 7Ainda que + Subjunctive: Adds a touch of elegance.
8. 8Conquanto + Subjunctive: Pure academic or legal flair.
9. 9Posto que + Subjunctive: The ultimate "I've read a lot of books" vibe.

Use these patterns when you need to be precise and formal. Imagine you are in a job interview at a big firm. You might say, "Embora eu não tenha experiência, aprendo rápido." It sounds way better than a simple "But." Use it in academic papers to contrast different theories. It’s perfect for formal letters to a landlord or a boss. Even in deep debates with friends, it adds weight to your points. It shows you can handle complex logic and delicate social situations. Basically, use it whenever you want to impress with your brainpower.

Don't use conquanto while ordering a beer at a beach bar. People might think you’re a time traveler from 1850. Avoid these in very casual texts with your best friends. It can make you sound cold or overly dramatic. If you’re just saying "It’s cold but I’m okay," stick to mas. Don’t force formal concession into simple, everyday observations. It ruins the natural flow of a relaxed conversation. Think of it like a tuxedo. It’s great for a gala, but weird at a supermarket. Keep it for the moments that actually matter.

• Subjunctive Slip-ups: Forgetting the subjunctive after embora. Native speakers might do it, but at C1, you shouldn't.
• Posto que Confusion: Some people think posto que means "since." In formal Portuguese, it means "even though." Don't swap them!
• Double Trouble: Using embora and mas in the same sentence. You only need one connector for the contrast.
• Tense Mismatch: Mixing a past concessive with a future main clause awkwardly.
• Over-formality: Using malgrado in a simple email. Yes, it’s a word, but keep it for poetry or law.

• Mas (Indicative): Straightforward, simple, and very direct. No tension.
• Apesar de (Infinitive): Very common and safe. It doesn't require a full clause.
• Mesmo que (Subjunctive): More about hypothetical situations or future possibilities.
• Embora (Subjunctive): Focuses on a real fact used as a contrast.
• Se bem que (Indicative): The informal cousin. Great for spoken Portuguese, but lacks the C1 formal polish. Use embora for the written exam instead.