Though is used as a conjunction meaning "despite the fact that" — introducing a clause that contrasts with the main idea — and as an adverb meaning "however" or "even so", typically placed at the end of a sentence to add a contrasting comment.
What Does Though Mean?
Though is one of the most versatile linking words in English. As a conjunction it introduces a concession — an admission that one fact does not prevent another from being true: "Though the journey was long, we arrived on time." The clause introduced by though acknowledges something surprising or contrary, while the main clause states the outcome.
As an adverb, though sits at the end of a sentence and signals that a contrasting thought has just been added: "The film was long. The ending was worth it, though." This end-position use is very common in spoken British English and informal writing. It is one of the key differences between though and its near-synonym although, which cannot be used this way.
Though also appears in two important fixed expressions: even though (a stronger, more emphatic form of although) and as though (meaning as if, introducing an unreal or imagined comparison). Mastering all three patterns — conjunction, end-position adverb, and fixed phrases — will make your English sound significantly more natural and fluent.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Level & usage note |
|---|---|
| It was cold, though the sun was shining. | A2 — conjunction, simple contrast |
| The vocabulary was advanced, though she managed to understand the main ideas. | B1 — conjunction mid-sentence; concessive clause follows main clause |
| He didn’t win the race. He ran well, though. | B1 — adverb at end of sentence; informal spoken pattern |
| Even though the project was behind schedule, the team delivered outstanding results. | B2 — even though for strong emphasis; formal writing |
| She spoke as though she had already been told the outcome, which made her colleagues uneasy. | C1 — as though + past tense for unreal comparison; complex register |
Collocations
| Collocation / Pattern | Example |
|---|---|
| even though | He kept smiling even though he was exhausted. |
| as though | She stared at me as though I had said something wrong. |
| though + clause (mid-sentence) | The task was complex, though the instructions were clear. |
| though + clause (start of sentence) | Though it rained all day, we enjoyed the trip. |
| sentence + though (adverb) | The price is high. The quality is excellent, though. |
| strange though it may seem | Strange though it may seem, she had never tried coffee. |
| try as I might though | I could not solve it, try as I might though. |
| though + adjective + subject + verb (inversion) | Tired though he was, he stayed until the end. |
| feel as though | I feel as though I have forgotten something important. |
| look as though | It looks as though the match will be cancelled. |
Usage Notes
Key Patterns to Remember
- Conjunction (mid or start of sentence): Though can appear at the start — "Though it was late, she stayed." — or after the main clause: "She stayed, though it was late." Both are correct; the second order is more common in informal writing.
- Adverb at end of sentence: This is a uniquely informal and spoken use. "It was difficult. I enjoyed it, though." Note the comma before though when it ends a clause. Although cannot replace though here.
- Even though vs. although: Even though is stronger and more emphatic. Use it when the contrast is particularly surprising. Although is slightly more neutral.
- As though + past tense: When as though introduces an unreal or hypothetical comparison, use the past tense (or past perfect): "He acted as though he knew." (He probably did not.)
- Inverted structures: In formal or literary writing, though can trigger subject–adjective inversion: "Tired though she was…" This is an advanced, high-register construction.
Common Mistakes
Watch Out For
Although it was expensive, but I bought it. / Though it was expensive, but I bought it.
Though it was expensive, I bought it. (Never use but after though or although — one connective per sentence is enough.)
Although she was tired. (sentence fragment — no main clause)
Although she was tired, she finished the report. (though/although must be attached to a main clause)
The coffee was cold, although. (although cannot end a sentence)
The coffee was cold, though. (only though — not although — can be used as an end-position adverb)