although
conjunction
UK/ɔːlˈðəʊ/US/ɔːlˈðoʊ/
despite the fact that; even though
Example Sentences
Although it was raining, they decided to go for a hike.
She went to the party although she wasn't feeling well.
Although he studied hard, he didn't pass the exam.
They enjoyed the trip although the weather was unfavorable.
Although the task was difficult, she completed it successfully.
He continued working on the project although he faced many challenges.
Although the movie received mixed reviews, it was a box office success.
She stayed late at work although she had plans for the evening.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
Used to introduce contrast or a limiting condition.This conjunction is typically placed at the beginning of a dependent clause to introduce a statement that contrasts with or modifies another part of the sentence. For example, you might say, “Although I was tired, I decided to go for a run.” Here, the clause introduced by “although” shows the surprising or contradictory factor—being tired—compared to the unexpected action of deciding to run. It can also appear in the middle of a sentence: “I decided to go for a run, although I was tired.” Both structures emphasize the tension between two ideas. When using “although” for formal or academic writing, place it at the start of a sentence to smoothly lead into a subordinate clause, followed by your main clause. In informal conversation or casual text, you can also combine “although” with other transitional words or phrases like “still,” “yet,” or “even though” to reinforce the contrast. The key point to remember is that “although” signals a contrast or concession, making the following idea somewhat unexpected or noteworthy. Grammar-wise, ensure the clause introduced by “although” has both a subject and a verb, forming a dependent clause. This means it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. For instance, “Although I was hungry” is incomplete and needs an independent clause like “I waited until lunchtime to eat.” You can also split the sentence using commas to maintain clarity and improve flow. Ultimately, “although” is a powerful tool to show readers or listeners that an idea doesn’t fully prevent or negate the action or state introduced in the main clause. It highlights nuance, implying that something is true despite an adverse or opposing factor. When you need to underscore contrast, subtlety, or paradox, “although” is a fitting choice.
Alternatives
In contexts where you’d like to convey a similar sense of contrast, other words or phrases can work just as well. “Though” is a shorter, more casual equivalent, sometimes placed at the end of a sentence, as in “I was tired, though.” Meanwhile, “even though” adds emphasis to the contradiction, intensifying the difference between clauses: “Even though I was tired, I managed to finish the marathon.” If you want to provide a more formal twist, you could use “whereas,” typically set up to compare two clauses with a subtle but clear contrast, e.g., “I prefer coffee, whereas my friend prefers tea.” Another option is “while,” which can serve as both a conjunction of contrast and a marker of time: “While I understand your concern, I have a different perspective.” Choosing among these alternatives can depend on the tone or emphasis you wish to create. “Though” and “even though” lend a softer or more colloquial feel, whereas “whereas” or “while” can feel more formal, especially in academic or professional documents. By varying your use of these synonyms, you keep your writing engaging and avoid repetitive patterns of language.
Writing
In more formal writing, “although” helps present a nuanced argument, acknowledging a point while simultaneously refining or countering it. By pairing “although” with objective data or carefully structured statements, you can acknowledge alternative viewpoints without fully conceding your main argument. For example, “Although this approach has proven successful in some fields, the overall findings remain inconclusive.” This structure lets you incorporate balanced, logical progressions of thought. If you use “although” multiple times in close succession, the repetition might feel cumbersome. To avoid this, you can alternate with other contrastive words like “though,” “while,” or “whereas.” The core idea is to create well-organized, cohesive writing that guides readers through a complex discussion of pros, cons, or divergent ideas. Linking clauses with “although” also demonstrates higher-level thinking, highlighting subtle connections, counterpoints, and exceptions—critical features of authoritative writing in fields like research, literature, or policy analysis.
Casual Conversation
In everyday speech, “although” shows up when you want to highlight a surprising twist in a casual story or conversation. For example, you might say, “Although I love spicy food, this curry is just too hot,” underscoring a contrast between your usual preferences and an unexpected reaction. You might also combine it with a more relaxed tone, like “I’m going out tonight, although I really feel like staying in,” to convey that you have a conflicting emotion but are making a different choice. Unlike strictly formal settings, casual conversation may allow you to drop some of the commas or formal structuring around “although.” Still, clarity is key—listeners need to understand which part of your statement is the main message and which part is the qualifying or contradictory detail. Simple examples help keep your meaning unambiguous and ensure that the interplay between the contrasting ideas stands out naturally in your dialogue or text messages.
Etymology
“Although” can be traced back to Middle English, originating from the combination of “all” and “though.” Historically, “though” itself derives from Old English “þēah,” signifying a sense of concession or contrast. Over time, as English grammar and vocabulary evolved, “although” took on a more specialized role as a subordinating conjunction that introduces clauses underscoring contradiction or limitation. In older literature, you might find variations in spelling and usage, with texts sometimes opting for simpler forms like “al though.” The modern standardized spelling “although” became prevalent by the late Middle English to early Modern English period. Its long-standing usage in the English language reflects humanity’s continuous need to signal nuance, whether in daily life, literary works, or scholarly discourse, underscoring that an acknowledged fact doesn’t necessarily inhibit another reality or outcome.
