although
- 01 A2 Elementary
you use this to introduce a fact that makes the rest of your sentence surprising.
introduces a concessive clause that contrasts with the main clause; functions as a synonym for 'even though'.
Simple“Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk in the park.”
In context“Although the initial investment was substantial, the long-term savings in energy costs justified the expenditure for the board of directors.”
UsageCan be placed at the beginning of a sentence or in the middle to connect two clauses.
Teacher's tipLearners often try to use 'although' and 'but' together; remind them that 'although' already establishes the contrast.
PitfallAlthough it was cold, but he didn't wear a coat. Although it was cold, he didn't wear a coat.Do not use 'but' in the same sentence as 'although'. One conjunction is enough to show the contrast.
Synonyms - 02 B1 Intermediate
used to add a comment that qualifies or limits what you just said.
used to introduce a statement that modifies or limits the preceding one, often functioning similarly to 'however' or 'but'.
Simple“The sun is finally out, although it is still quite cold.”
In context“The results of the study were broadly positive, although several outliers in the data suggest that further research is required.”
UsageIn this sense, it usually appears after the main clause to add a clarifying or limiting thought.
Teacher's tipThis use is slightly more common in speech for adding an afterthought that softens a previous statement.
Synonyms
From Middle English althagh, from Old English compound of eall (“all (emphatic)”) + þēah (“though”). By surface analysis, al(l) + though.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.