What Does Although Mean?
Use although to join two facts that don't match: one makes the other a surprise. A clause is a part of a sentence with its own subject and verb: it was raining.
ALTHOUGHOne sentence, two clauses
Although the bus was late, Minh got to work on time.
EVEN THOUGHStronger: a bigger surprise
Lan went to the party even though she had a cold.
HOWEVERStarts a new sentence
The hotel was old. However, the rooms were very clean.
Use although or but, never both.
TRY IT
- Question 1
"blank"
- Question 2
"Hùng passed his driving test blank he only had five lessons."
Where Do the Commas Go?
ALTHOUGH FIRST
Althoughclause,clause
Although Hoa lives near the office, she's often late.
A comma after the although clause.
ALTHOUGH SECOND
clausealthough / even thoughclause
We enjoyed the trip although the hotel was far from the beach.
No comma.
HOWEVER
Sentence.However,sentence
My new job is hard. However, I'm learning a lot.
A full stop (or semicolon) before, a comma after.
THOUGH AT THE END
Sentence.Sentence,though
The flat is small. It's cheap, though.
Spoken and friendly.
TRY IT
- Question 1
"blank"
When to use each one
Reviews
The service was slow. However, the phở was excellent.
One bad point, one good point.
Saying no politely
I'd love to come. I'm working that night, though.
Though at the end makes a no sound softer.
Work emails
Thank you for your email. However, we can't change the date.
Emails often start a sentence with however rather than but.
But or However?
| BUT | HOWEVER | |
|---|---|---|
| Joins | two clauses in one sentence | two sentences |
| Punctuation | …, but … | … . However, … |
| Style | everyday speech and writing | writing and emails |
Joining with a comma? Use but.
TRY IT
- Question 1
"The flat is tiny, blank it's in a great area."
Common mistakes
Incorrect:Although the room was small, but it was clean.
Correct:Although the room was small, it was clean.
Although already links the two clauses. Drop but.
Incorrect:I like this phone, however it's too expensive.
Correct:I like this phone, but it's too expensive.
However cannot follow a comma like this. Use but, or a full stop.
Incorrect:Eventhough I was tired, I cooked dinner.
Correct:Even though I was tired, I cooked dinner.
Even though is two words.
Incorrect:Although the traffic, we arrived on time.
Correct:Although the traffic was bad, we arrived on time.
Although needs a full clause: a subject and a verb.
Incorrect:However it rained, we played football.
Correct:Although it rained, we played football.
However doesn't start a clause like although. It starts a new sentence.
Quick check · 5 questions
Choose the correct word:
Although the film was long, nobody left early.
- A. Although — Correct
- B. However
- C. But
Answer: A. Although
However starts a whole new sentence. But goes between the two clauses: The film was long, but nobody left early.
Choose the correct word:
Ngọc is very friendly. However, she's quiet in meetings.
- A. However — Correct
- B. Although
- C. Even though
Answer: A. However
Although and even though need a clause after them in the same sentence. Here the comma comes straight after the gap.
Choose the word that can end the sentence:
My job is boring. The money is good, though.
- A. though — Correct
- B. although
- C. even though
Answer: A. though
This is a spoken, friendly style. Although and even though always need a clause after them.
Choose the correct word:
He kept smiling even though his feet hurt.
- A. even though — Correct
- B. because
- C. so
Answer: A. even though
Because and so give a reason or a result. Sore feet are no reason to smile.
Choose the sentence with correct punctuation:
The test was hard. However, most of us passed.
- A. The test was hard. However, most of us passed. — Correct
- B. The test was hard, however most of us passed.
- C. The test was hard however, most of us passed.
Answer: A. The test was hard. However, most of us passed.
However cannot join two clauses with a comma. For one sentence, use but.
See whether it really stuck.
Start the quiz · 14 questions