Adversative constructions and concessive constructions: areas of overlap and contrast

Abstract

The paper aims at comparing adversative constructions (with but) and concessive constructions (with although) based on the theory of functional grammar. The results show that, on the one hand, there are areas of overlap between adversative constructions and concessive onstructions as they display “relation of preference” (GARCÍA, 1994); on the other hand, the areas of contrast between these constructions result from specific functions fulfilled by a concessive element, such as “margin” (LONGACRE, 2007), “satellite” (DIK, 1989; MATTHIESSEN; THOMPSON, 1988), “enhancement” (HALLIDAY, 2004), “guidepost” (CHAFE, 1984 apud
DECAT, 1993), “background” (GIVÓN, 1990) and “theme” (GARCÍA, 1994).