To concede a point before countering it, use 'selv om' plus a full clause with subordinate word order, or 'til tross for' plus a noun phrase. When the concession opens the sentence it fills the first slot, so the main clause that follows must invert its subject and verb.
Examples
- Selv om jeg er enig i hovedpoenget, overser argumentet kostnadene.
- Even though I agree with the main point, the argument overlooks the costs.
- Til tross for kritikken holder han fast ved standpunktet sitt.
- Despite the criticism, he sticks to his position.
- Argumentet er interessant, men det bygger ikke på tall.
- The argument is interesting, but it isn't based on figures.
- Selv om tiltaket virker dyrt, lønner det seg på sikt.
- Although the measure seems expensive, it pays off in the long run.
The mistake to avoid
Forgetting to invert the main clause after a fronted 'selv om'-clause ('Selv om det regner, jeg går ut') - it must be 'går jeg ut'.
Where this fits in
Logisk argumentasjon, Norwegian C1: Build a logical argument: claims, evidence, counterargument, persuasion.