ことは〜が

ことは marks acknowledgement of a fact or situation and is often used to present a contrast with what follows. It softens or hedges a point by conceding one aspect while directing attention to a different or opposite point. In use, the first clause states something that is true or generally accepted, and the second clause (after が) expresses the contrasting idea, often leading into further explanation with しかし, けれども, or another connector. It is common in everyday speech and writing when you want to acknowledge a reality but still argue or provide an exception. Note that the second clause is what you want to emphasize or warn about, not the first. Examples: - 日本語を勉強することは難しいが、続ければ必ず上達する。 It is true that studying Japanese is difficult, but if you keep at it, you will surely improve. - この方法は便利なことは便利だが、デメリットもある。 This method is convenient, to be sure, but there are also drawbacks. - 彼の提案は魅力的なことは魅力的だが、予算が厳しい。 His proposal is attractive, but the budget is tight.