avoir beau + infinitive — concession

avoir beau + infinitive — concession means “however much / no matter how much … (in vain)”. avoir beau + infinitive means 'however much one does X (it's in vain)'. Formation: avoir beau + infinitif (+ proposition principale)

however much / no matter how much … (in vain)

B2

Formation

avoir beau + infinitif (+ proposition principale)

Explanation

avoir beau + infinitive means 'however much one does X (it's in vain)'. The main clause states the frustrated or contrary outcome: J'ai beau essayer, je n'y arrive pas. avoir is conjugated for the subject and tense; beau is invariable.

Examples

J'ai beau insister, il refuse toujours.
However much I insist, he still refuses.
Elle a beau être riche, elle n'est pas heureuse.
However rich she is, she is not happy.

FAQ

avoir beau + infinitive — concession — what does it mean and how is it used?

however much / no matter how much … (in vain). avoir beau + infinitive means 'however much one does X (it's in vain)'. The main clause states the frustrated or contrary outcome: J'ai beau essayer, je n'y arrive pas. avoir is conjugated for the subject and tense; beau is invariable.

avoir beau + infinitive — concession — how do you form it?

avoir beau + infinitif (+ proposition principale)

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