How to Use Though and Although with Examples
| Word | Part of Speech | Formality | Sentence Position | Adverbial Use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Although | Subordinating Conjunction | More Formal | Start or middle of sentence | No | Although it was cold, she went outside. |
| Though | Subordinating Conjunction / Adverb | Less Formal | Start, middle, or end | Yes, often at end | She went outside. It was cold, though. |
Difference Between Though and Although
"Although" and "though" are both used to show a contrast between two ideas. Although they can often be used in similar sentences, there are small differences in formality and flexibility. Using them correctly will help your writing and speaking sound more natural and accurate.
Definitions and Grammar Rules of Though and Although
Both "though" and "although" are subordinating conjunctions. This means they join a dependent (subordinate) clause to a main clause, showing that the two ideas contrast with each other. "Though" can also work as an adverb at the end of a sentence, while "although" is only a conjunction.
Key Points:
- "Although" starts a subordinate clause and is used in formal or academic writing.
- "Though" is more common in everyday speech and less formal writing.
- "Though" can be used at the end of a sentence as an adverb to show contrast.
- Do not use "although" as an adverb at the end of a sentence.
Main Differences Between Though and Although
| Feature | Although | Though |
|---|---|---|
| Formality | More formal | Less formal |
| Sentence Position | Beginning or middle, not end | Beginning, middle, or end |
| Adverbial Use | Not used as adverb | Used as adverb (usually at end) |
| Spoken vs Written | Preferred in essays, letters, exams | Common in spoken, informal writing |
Examples of Though and Although in Sentences
Examples Using "Although" (Conjunction):
- Although the test was hard, Sara finished early.
- He went to work although he was feeling sick.
- Although it rained, the match continued.
Examples Using "Though" (Conjunction and Adverb):
- Though she was tired, she kept running. (conjunction)
- He got the job, though he had little experience. (conjunction)
- The food was good. Expensive, though.
- I liked the movie. The ending was strange, though.
When to Use Though and Although
Use "although" in formal writing or when starting a sentence with a contrast clause. Use "though" in speech, casual writing, or at the end of a sentence to gently show contrast. For exams or academic essays, prefer "although" for a more formal tone.
Common Mistakes with Though and Although
- Do not say: "The test was hard, although." (Incorrect)
- Correct: "The test was hard, though." (Adverb at end)
- Do not use "though" or "although" together for the same contrast.
- Do not use "although" as an adverb at sentence end.
Quick Tips for Remembering the Difference
- Use "although" in formal writing and at the start of contrast sentences.
- Use "though" at the end of a sentence in speech or informal writing.
- If in doubt for school exams, prefer "although" in your answers.
Practice Exercise: Fill-in-the-Blanks
- ________ it was late, we finished the project on time.
- He smiled, ________ he was sad.
- The answer was wrong. Good try, ________.
- ________ the weather was cold, we went swimming.
(Answers: Although, though, though, Although)
More Resources to Learn Conjunctions and Contrast
- Subordinating Conjunctions
- Introduction to Conjunctions
- Clauses
- Modal Verbs
- Sentence Structure
- Transformation of Sentences
- Difference Between Can and Could
Understanding the difference between "though" and "although" is key for exams and clear communication. Both words show contrast, but differ in formality and sentence use. At Vedantu, we help you master such grammar points, so you can improve writing, speaking, and score higher in English.
FAQs on Difference Between Though and Although in English Grammar
1. What is the difference between "though" and "although" in English?
Both though and although are subordinating conjunctions used to introduce a clause that contrasts with the main clause. However, although is generally considered more formal than though. Though can also function as an adverb.
2. Can "though" and "although" be used interchangeably?
While often interchangeable in informal contexts, although is generally preferred in more formal writing. Though is more versatile, functioning as both a conjunction and an adverb. Using though at the end of a sentence is perfectly acceptable in informal English, a feature not possible with although.
3. When should I use "though" at the end of a sentence?
You can use though at the end of a sentence as an adverb to express a contrast or concession. This usage is more common in spoken and informal writing. For example: "I tried my best, though." This is not possible with although.
4. Is "though" less formal than "although"?
Yes, though is generally considered less formal than although. Although is the better choice in formal writing such as essays, academic papers, or business emails. Though is perfectly acceptable in casual settings.
5. Can I start a sentence with "although" or "though"?
Yes, you can begin a sentence with either although or though. Both are subordinating conjunctions that introduce a dependent clause expressing contrast. However, beginning a sentence with though is more typical in informal writing compared to although, which holds a more formal tone.
6. Which is better, though or although?
The best choice between though and although depends on the context and desired level of formality. Although is generally preferred in formal writing, while though is more versatile and appropriate for informal contexts. The adverbial use of though (at the end of a sentence) is another distinct difference.
7. When to use even though and although?
"Even though" emphasizes the contrast more strongly than "although." Both are conjunctions, but "even though" implies a stronger degree of opposition or unexpectedness. For example, "Even though it was raining, we went for a walk." suggests a stronger commitment to the walk despite the rain.
8. Where do I use though?
Though can be used as a subordinating conjunction to introduce a clause expressing contrast (similar to although), or as an adverb at the end of a sentence to add a contrasting thought. For example: "I'm tired, though I enjoyed the party." (adverb) and "Though it was cold, we still went outside." (conjunction).
9. What is the difference between although and nevertheless?
While both although and nevertheless express contrast, they differ in their usage. Although is a subordinating conjunction introducing a dependent clause; nevertheless is a conjunctive adverb that connects two independent clauses (usually with a semicolon or period before it). For example: "Although it was raining, we went outside." vs. "It was raining; nevertheless, we went outside."
10. What are common mistakes students make when using "though" and "although"?
Common mistakes include: using although where though would be more natural (or vice versa, based on formality), incorrectly placing though (it shouldn't be used as a conjunction at the beginning of a sentence except in very informal English), and failing to understand the adverbial usage of though.
11. How to use though and although in a sentence?
Use although or though to introduce a clause that contrasts with the main clause. For example: "Although/Though it was raining, we had a picnic." Remember that though can also be used as an adverb: "I was tired, though."
