Concession with Whatever, No Matter and As
Use whatever, no matter and concessive as to show that circumstances do not change an outcome, with precise word order and appropriate register.
Concessive clauses present a difficulty or objection without allowing it to change the main conclusion. Whatever and no matter can dismiss a whole range of possibilities; concessive as typically acknowledges a fact while rejecting the result we might expect from it. Choosing between them involves meaning, word order and register.
Two ways to express concession
Compare these sentences:
Whatever objections they raise, we will proceed.
Their objections may vary, but none will change our decision.
Serious as their objections are, we will proceed.
Their objections are serious, but we will proceed despite that fact.
The first construction leaves the circumstances open: regardless of what happens. The second usually accepts a particular circumstance: although this is true.
These clauses can come before or after the main clause. An opening concessive clause normally takes a comma. A final clause often takes a comma when it adds a separate contrast, but may appear without one when it is closely integrated into the main statement.
Whatever and related forms
Use whatever when the identity or nature of something makes no difference to the outcome. Related forms express the same relationship for people, choices, places, times and degrees.
| Form | What does not affect the outcome | Example |
|---|---|---|
| whatever | A thing, event or action | Whatever happens, the agreement remains valid. |
| whatever + noun | Any instance of that thing | Whatever explanation she offers, I will still request an investigation. |
| whoever | A person's identity | Whoever chairs the meeting, the agenda will remain unchanged. |
| whichever + noun | A choice from a particular set | Whichever route we take, we will need a permit. |
| wherever | A place | Wherever the team works, the same safety rules apply. |
| whenever | A time | Whenever you arrive, someone will be there to welcome you. |
| however + adjective/adverb | A degree | However carefully we plan, delays remain possible. |
After however, put the adjective or adverb before the subject and verb:
- However difficult the task is, we must complete it.
- However hard she tries, she cannot satisfy everyone.
- However many people object, the decision will stand.
- However much evidence we provide, he remains unconvinced.
Concessive however means no matter how. It differs from the linking adverb in “The task is difficult. However, we must complete it.” Do not insert a comma immediately after however in “However difficult the task is, …”.
No matter plus a question word
No matter makes the idea of regardless of the circumstances explicit. Follow it with what, who, which, where, when or how.
Whatever they decide, we will support them.
No matter what they decide, we will support them.
However expensive the repairs are, we cannot postpone them.
No matter how expensive the repairs are, we cannot postpone them.
These pairs have essentially the same meaning. Both patterns occur in speech and writing; no matter can sound particularly emphatic.
Use statement word order, not question word order:
- ✓ No matter where she goes, she attracts attention.
- ✗ No matter where does she go, she attracts attention.
When the question word is the subject, no additional subject is needed: No matter who calls, do not interrupt the interview.
For ordinary future circumstances, a present form is usual: Whatever happens tomorrow, we will cope. A modal is also possible when it adds meaning: Whatever may happen, we are prepared.
The equivalence with no matter what applies to concessive clauses, not every use of whatever.
In “Take whatever you need”, the highlighted words identify what to take. You cannot replace them with “no matter what you need”.
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Concessive as: front the key expression
Concessive as requires a special order: place the expression carrying the contrast before as, followed by the subject and verb. This pattern is more characteristic of formal or literary writing than ordinary conversation.
| Fronted expression | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Adjective | adjective + as + subject + verb | Unlikely as it seems, the account is true. |
| Adverb | adverb + as + subject + verb | Carefully as she checked the figures, she missed an error. |
| Singular count noun | noun without an article + as + subject + verb | Novice as he was, he spotted the flaw immediately. |
| Much | much as + subject + verb | Much as I admire her work, I disagree with her conclusion. |
The fronted expression does not normally cause subject–verb inversion: Unlikely as it seems, not Unlikely as seems it.
In the singular noun pattern, omit the indefinite article: Novice as he was, not A novice as he was. This noun construction is particularly literary.
Much as commonly acknowledges a strong feeling before introducing a conflicting view or necessity: Much as we would like to help, we lack the resources.
If the fronted construction feels too formal, use although with ordinary word order: “Although he was a novice, he spotted the flaw immediately.” Though can also follow the fronted expression: “Unlikely though it seems, the account is true.” Although cannot occupy that position.
Try as I might and important contrasts
A verb can also be fronted in certain concessive patterns. The familiar expression try as + subject + might presents determined but unsuccessful effort.
Try as I might, I could not remember her name.
Despite trying hard, I was unable to remember it.
Try as she might, she could not open the window.
The form try stays unchanged even with she.
Treat this as a recognisable emphatic pattern, not an invitation to move any verb before as.
Be careful with two further contrasts:
- As she was tired, she stopped working. Here, as gives a reason: she stopped because she was tired.
- Tired as she was, she continued working. Here, the fronted adjective makes the concessive meaning clear: she continued although she was tired.
Do not add but to connect the main clause after an opening concessive clause.
✓ Whatever happens, we will continue.
✗ Whatever happens, but we will continue.
Still is possible because it reinforces the unexpected result rather than joining the clauses: Tired as she was, she still continued working.
Choose the right construction
- Does the outcome remain the same across different possibilities? Use whatever, a related -ever form, or no matter + question word.
- Are you acknowledging a fact but rejecting its expected consequence? Consider fronted concessive as, especially in formal writing.
- Check the order. Use however difficult it is, no matter where she goes, and difficult as it is.
- Check the register and connection. Prefer although for a more neutral alternative to concessive as, and do not add a linking but.
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Last updated October 14, 2026