English grammar
While it is true that… / it is also true that…; even + -ing
Admit a point and still argue your case, formally and informally.
From the scene While it is true that…
In short
Concede with while it is true that…, then balance it with it is also true that…
Your turn
Which one goes with it is also true that… (balances it)?
Options: while it is true that the building is old · even knowing what they're offering you · it is also true that it's full of life
Show answer
it is also true that… (balances it) → it is also true that it's full of life
How it works
While it is true that… concedes a point formally, and it is also true that… balances it with your own point, in parallel.
Good to know
Even + -ing (even knowing, even having) adds a surprising fact without its own subject — the subject comes from the main clause.
Good to know
Despite and even though still work the same way here.
while it is true that… while it is true that the building is old
Ramón
Let's see. I'll start like this: while it is true that the building is old...
A ver. Empiezo así: si bien es cierto que el edificio es viejo...
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Let's see. I'll start like this: (blank)...
Options: it is also true that it's full of life · even knowing what they're offering you · while it is true that the building is old
Show answer
Ramón
Let's see. I'll start like this: while it is true that the building is old...
A ver. Empiezo así: si bien es cierto que el edificio es viejo...
it is also true that… (balances it) it is also true that it's full of life
Nuria
...it is also true that it's full of life. Very good!
...también es cierto que está lleno de vida. ¡Muy bien!
Your turn
What fills the gap?
...(blank). Very good!
Options: while it is true that the building is old · even knowing what they're offering you · it is also true that it's full of life
Show answer
Nuria
...it is also true that it's full of life. Very good!
...también es cierto que está lleno de vida. ¡Muy bien!
even + -ing (a surprising fact) even knowing what they're offering you
Nuria
And even knowing what they're offering you, are you going to say no?
Y aun sabiendo lo que le ofrecen, ¿va a decir que no?
Your turn
What fills the gap?
And (blank), are you going to say no?
Options: even knowing what they're offering you · while it is true that the building is old · it is also true that it's full of life
Show answer
Nuria
And even knowing what they're offering you, are you going to say no?
Y aun sabiendo lo que le ofrecen, ¿va a decir que no?
despite + -ing/noun (recap) despite not having a lift
Your turn
What goes with despite not having a lift?
Options: while it is true that… · it is also true that… (balances it) · despite + -ing/noun (recap)
Show answer
despite not having a lift → despite + -ing/noun (recap)
even so (nevertheless) even so, you're the owner
Tomás
Even so, you're the owner. They have to listen to you.
Aun así, usted es el dueño. Lo tienen que escuchar.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank). They have to listen to you.
Options: It is also true that it's full of life · Even so, you're the owner · While it is true that the building is old
Show answer
Tomás
Even so, you're the owner. They have to listen to you.
Aun así, usted es el dueño. Lo tienen que escuchar.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| while it is true that… | while it is true that the building is old |
|---|---|
| it is also true that… (balances it) | it is also true that it's full of life |
| even + -ing (a surprising fact) | even knowing what they're offering you |
| despite + -ing/noun (recap) | despite not having a lift |
| even so (nevertheless) | even so, you're the owner |
More lines from the story
- TomásHappy and fit. Four floors on foot!Felices y en forma. ¡Cuatro pisos a pie!
- RamónIn the film I had a script. Here I have to tell the truth.En la película tenía un guion. Aquí tengo que decir la verdad.