Quick answer: Although and though are both conjunctions meaning “despite the fact that” and are usually interchangeable. The key difference: though can also appear at the end of a sentence as an adverb meaning “however” (It was cold. Nice, though.), while although cannot. For a fuller definition, see the Cambridge Dictionary entry for ‘although’.
Comparison Table
| Word | Word Class | Register | End-position? | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| although | conjunction only | slightly more formal | No | Although it rained, we had fun. |
| though | conjunction + adverb | neutral / informal | Yes (as adverb) | It was hard. Worth it, though. |
Using Although
Although is a subordinating conjunction. It introduces a subordinate clause showing contrast or concession. It can start a sentence or appear in the middle. It is slightly more formal than though.
Although she was tired, she finished the report.
He passed the exam although he barely revised.
Although the price is high, the quality is excellent.
Although Cannot End a Sentence
Unlike though, although must always be followed by a clause. It cannot stand alone at the end of a sentence.
It was expensive. Worth it, although.
It was expensive. Worth it, though.
Using Though
As a conjunction, though works exactly like although and is slightly more conversational. As an adverb, it is placed at the end of a clause or sentence to add a contrasting comment.
Though it rained, we had fun. (conjunction)
I didn’t like the film. The soundtrack was great, though. (adverb)
It’s quite cold. Nice day, though. (adverb)
Even Though
Even though is a stronger form, emphasising a surprising contrast. It cannot be replaced by even although.
Even though he trained hard, he lost the match.
Even although he trained hard, he lost the match.
Common Mistakes
✗ The film was long. Good, although.
✓ The film was long. Good, though.
✗ Even although I tried, I failed.
✓ Even though I tried, I failed.
✗ Although it was raining, but we went out.
✓ Although it was raining, we went out. or It was raining, but we went out.
Also compare: Also vs Too, Because of vs Due to, Already vs Yet. Browse all confusing word pairs →
Quick Check: Although or Though?
Four questions — choose the best word.
1. “___ it was late, we stayed to finish.” (formal report)
2. “It was expensive. Really good quality, ___.”
3. “Even ___ she was nervous, she delivered a great speech.”
4. “___ the journey was tiring, the destination was worth it.” (both work; which is slightly more formal?)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between although and though?
As conjunctions both mean “despite the fact that” and are largely interchangeable. The key extra: though can also function as an adverb at the end of a clause meaning “however”, whereas although cannot.
Can I use although and though at the start of a sentence?
Yes. Both can introduce a subordinate clause at the start: “Although / Though it was raining, we went out.” When the subordinate clause comes first, use a comma before the main clause.
Can though go at the end of a sentence?
Yes — this is one of its most useful features. “It was a long day. I enjoyed it, though.” Here though acts as an adverb meaning “however”. Although cannot be used this way.
What does “even though” mean?
“Even though” is stronger than “though/although” — it stresses a surprising or strong contrast: “Even though he studied all night, he still failed.” Note: “even although” is not a standard phrase.
Can I write “although…but” in the same sentence?
No. In English, use one linking word per contrast, not two: “Although it was cold, we stayed.” OR “It was cold, but we stayed.” Combining both is a grammar error.
Which is more formal — although or though?
Although is very slightly more formal. Both are perfectly acceptable in academic writing. Though is somewhat more frequent in spoken English and informal writing.
Is “though” a conjunction or an adverb?
Though can be both. As a conjunction it introduces a subordinate clause of contrast. As an adverb it appears at the end of a clause or sentence meaning “however”.
Can although and though be used with a participle clause?
Yes, in formal writing a participle clause can follow: “Although tired, she kept working.” / “Though tired, she kept working.” This is a reduced form of “although she was tired”.
What is the difference between though and however?
Both express contrast. However is more formal and typically appears at the start of a new sentence followed by a comma: “However, the results were good.” Though at the end (“The results were good, though”) is more conversational.
Do although and though affect the tense of the verb?
No. The tense is determined by context, not by the conjunction itself. The subordinate clause can be in any tense that makes sense: “Although she is tired” / “Although she was tired” / “Although she has been tired.”