Although, though, even though and however
Although it was late, we walked home. It was late. However, we walked. Words for a contrast, and the commas they need.
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Although, though and even though join two ideas that contrast, inside one sentence: Although it was raining, we went out. However does the same job between two sentences: It was raining. However, we went out. All of them do the work of but, so you never need but as well.
Four ways to say it
Word | Where it goes | Example |
|---|---|---|
but | between two parts of one sentence | It was late, but we walked home. |
although | before one part, at the start or in the middle | Although it was late, we walked home. |
however | at the start of the second sentence | It was late. However, we walked home. |
though | like although, or at the end (spoken) | It was late. We walked home, though. |
Although: one linker is enough
Although goes before the part with the surprising contrast. That part can come first or second. When it comes first, put a comma after it.
- Although the hotel was expensive, it wasn't very comfortable.
- We enjoyed the trip although the weather was awful.
- Incorrect: Although it was raining, but we went for a walk.
- Correct: Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
- Correct: It was raining, but we went for a walk.Although and but both mark the contrast. Use one of them, not both.
- Incorrect: Although she's very busy, but she always finds time for her children.
- Correct: Although she's very busy, she always finds time for her children.
Even though: a stronger contrast
Even though works like although but makes the surprise stronger. Use it when the contrast is really unexpected.
- He went to work even though he had a temperature.
- Even though I'd set two alarms, I overslept.
Though: informal, and at the end
Though means the same as although and is more common in speech. It can also go at the end of a sentence, after a comma, to add a contrast to what was said before. Although can't go there.
- Though it was late, the café was still full.
- The food was good. It was a bit expensive, though.
- Incorrect: The film was long. I enjoyed it, although.
- Correct: The film was long. I enjoyed it, though.At the end of a sentence, use though, not although.
However: between two sentences
However usually starts a new sentence, with a comma after it. It is common in writing and in more formal speech. In the middle of a sentence it goes between commas: The plan, however, has one problem.
- The flat is small. However, it's very cheap.
- I'd love to come. However, I have to work on Saturday.
- Incorrect: However it was late, we walked home.
- Correct: Although it was late, we walked home.However can't join two parts the way although does. Inside one sentence, use although.
In careful writing, however doesn't join two sentences with only a comma: write The flat is small. However, it's cheap. or use but: The flat is small, but it's cheap. A semicolon is also possible: The flat is small; however, it's cheap.
Which one to choose
- In conversation: but and though are the most common.
- In an email or an essay: although and however sound more careful.
- For a strong surprise: even though.
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Related rules
Where this rule sits
All B1 rulesClauses and linking words: all rules