Although vs Though vs Even Though

Although vs Though vs Even Though

You’ve most probably seen these three conjunctions many times. My students often ask me about their pronunciation and sometimes can’t understand that although and though mean the same but though can be used at the end of a sentence, with the same meaning; probably because it is quite different in other languages. Although vs though vs even though.

In today’s lesson, we’ll be learning about the difference between the conjunctions although, though and even though. First, let’s say that these conjunctions are interchangeable; they normally express the idea of contrast and they mean “in spite of”, “despite”, “despite the fact”.  We can also state that although is more formal than though; even though is more emphatic than although and though.

Although vs Though vs Even Though

Sentences with these conjunctions usually consist of two clauses, the subordinate clause and the main clause.  

• Although it was freezing outside, he couldn’t feel it because he was wearing a warm coat.
• She loved her boyfriend dearly, though he took her for granted.
• Even though he lived in France for many years, he didn’t know a word of French.

How to use although

Although is a subordinate conjunction meaning “despite the fact”. It is a part of a subordinate clause; it can be placed at the beginning or in the middle of the sentence.

• Although Mary loved all her children, her youngest son was the apple of her eye.
• She works as a nurse, although she has a degree in medicine.
• They enjoyed running in the park, although it was cold and windy.
• Although very young, he spoke three languages fluently.
• Sally said that she would go along with the idea, although she didn’t like it very much.

Although vs Though vs Even Though

How to use though

Though is another subordinate conjunction meaning “despite that” or “in spite of”. Generally speaking, though is more used in spoken than written English, and it is also more common than although. Unlike although, though can be placed at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of a sentence.

• Though there wasn’t much time, we managed to finish our work on time.
• Martin could play tennis quite well, though he didn’t train much.
• They said the exam will be next month. They didn’t say which date, though.
• You must admit that they look alike, though they’re not related.
• Sandra didn’t want to borrow money from the bank, though her business was at great risk.

Although vs Though vs Even Though

How to use even though

Even though has the same meaning as although and though. However, this phrase is more formal, as well as the most emphatic of the three conjunctions.

• Even though it was raining hard, Milly decided to drive to work.
• They were pretty good at basketball, even though they weren’t very tall.
• The picnic was boring, even though the weather was nice.
• Even though it was noisy in the house, Sarah was sleeping like a log.
• She was in two minds about the job, even though they offered her a good salary.

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