Quick answer: Both although and even though introduce a contrast or concessive clause. Although is the neutral choice: Although it was raining, we went out. Even though is stronger and more emphatic — it signals the contrast is surprising or unexpected: Even though she was exhausted, she kept working. For a fuller definition, see the Cambridge Dictionary entry for ‘although’.
Comparison Table
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| although | conjunction | neutral contrast/concession | Although it was cold, we swam. |
| even though | conjunction (phrase) | emphatic/surprising contrast | Even though he’s rich, he’s unhappy. |
Using Although
Although is a subordinating conjunction introducing a concessive clause — a clause that presents a contrast or unexpected fact. It is neutral and formal. The although clause can come before or after the main clause.
Although she studied hard, she didn’t pass.
He went to work, although he felt unwell.
Although the film was long, I enjoyed it.
She smiled, although she was nervous.
Although at the Start vs. in the Middle
Although can introduce the sentence or follow the main clause. When it starts the sentence, no comma is strictly required before the main clause (though many writers add one). When it follows the main clause, a comma usually precedes it.
Although he was tired, he finished the report.
He finished the report, although he was tired.
Using Even Though
Even though is more emphatic than although. It stresses that the contrast is surprising, unexpected, or contrary to what one might expect. Even though adds emotional weight and is common in spoken English.
Even though she had no experience, she got the job.
He failed the exam even though he had studied for weeks.
Even though it was midnight, children were still playing outside.
She forgave him even though he never apologised.
Even Though vs. Even If
Do not confuse even though (real/factual contrast) with even if (hypothetical). Even though refers to something that IS true; even if refers to something that MIGHT be true.
Even though it is raining, we are going. (It IS raining — fact)
Even if it rains, we will go. (It MIGHT rain — hypothetical)
Common Mistakes
✗ Even though I like coffee, I drink it every morning. (not surprising)
✓ Although I like coffee, I drink it every morning.
Note: even though implies the contrast is surprising. If it isn’t, although sounds more natural.
✗ I’ll go even though it rains. (hypothetical → should be “even if”)
✓ I’ll go even if it rains.
Note: even though = real fact; even if = hypothetical condition.
✗ Despite she was tired, she kept going.
✓ Although/Even though she was tired, she kept going.
Note: despite and in spite of are prepositions and must be followed by a noun or gerund, not a clause.
Also confusing: Despite vs Although. Browse all confusing word pairs →
Quick Check: Although or Even Though?
Four questions — choose the correct word for each sentence.
1. “___ it was expensive, she bought it. (neutral contrast)”
2. “He passed ___ he hadn’t revised at all. (surprising)”
3. “___ she is shy, she gives great presentations.”
4. “___ I was exhausted, I stayed to help.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between although and even though?
Both are subordinating conjunctions expressing contrast. Although is neutral: “Although it was cold, we went out.” Even though is more emphatic, stressing a surprising or unexpected contrast: “Even though she failed, she was happy.”
Can although and even though be used interchangeably?
In most cases yes, but even though adds extra emphasis. If the contrast is not particularly surprising, although sounds more natural. If you want to stress that something happened against all expectations, prefer even though.
What is the difference between even though and even if?
Even though refers to a real, factual situation: “Even though it is raining, we are going” (it IS raining). Even if refers to a hypothetical situation: “Even if it rains, we will go” (it MIGHT rain).
Can although start a sentence?
Yes: “Although it was late, he called.” The although clause can come first or second. When it comes first, the main clause follows. No comma is required, though many writers add one.
Is there a difference between although and though?
Though is slightly less formal than although and can also be used as an adverb at the end of a sentence: “It was cold. Fun, though.” Although cannot be used this way.
Can even though start a sentence?
Yes: “Even though she was tired, she kept going.” Like although, the even though clause can come first or second.
What is the difference between although and but?
Although introduces a dependent clause (part of the same sentence); but is a coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses. “Although it rained, we went” vs. “It rained, but we went.”
Is “even though” two words or one?
Even though is always two words. Do not write “eventhough” as a single word — that is a spelling error.
Can I use despite instead of although?
Despite and in spite of are prepositions, not conjunctions. They must be followed by a noun or gerund, not a clause. Use although/even though before a subject + verb; use despite before a noun: “Despite the rain, we went” vs. “Although it rained, we went.”
How do although and even though appear in IELTS writing?
Both are common in IELTS Task 2 to show contrasting ideas. Although is preferred for neutral academic contrast. Even though is good for stronger emphasis. Using these conjunctions correctly demonstrates range of grammar and can improve your band score.