JLPT N1 Shinkanzen Grammar Lesson 8: ～ところを・～ものを・～とはいえ (Although... / And yet... / Even though...)

Explanation: Often used with expressions describing an ongoing state, such as being busy or resting.
✓ This pattern is commonly used as a polite preface to express regret, apology, or gratitude for disturbing or inconveniencing the other person in such circumstances.

Explanation: Expresses the idea “if only / it would have been..., but...”: the speaker believes that if the situation in the first clause had occurred, things would have turned out differently or better, but reality did not follow that expectation.
✓ It often conveys regret, dissatisfaction, reproach, or disappointment. The following clause may be omitted when the contrary outcome is clear from context.

Explanation: The speaker acknowledges that the statement in the first clause is true. However, the second clause presents a contrasting reality, or shows that reality does not reach the degree suggested by the first clause.

Explanation: A formal, literary expression meaning “even if / even though / even in the case of...”. The first clause concedes or supposes a case, while the second states something that still holds or remains unchanged.
✓ It may occur with たとえ, いかに, or どんな for emphasis. The following clause may express a judgment, rule, principle, obligation, resolve, etc.; it is not restricted to obligation or determination.

Explanation: Expresses surprise at an outcome completely contrary to what the speaker had initially predicted or mistakenly assumed.
✓ The first clause gives the expectation; the second gives the actual, unexpected result.