Both express contrast or concession, but "even though" emphasizes the surprise or strength of the contrast more; "although" is the neutral, formal form.
Concessive conjunction: introduces a clause expressing a contrast or situation contrary to what is expected. "Although it was raining, they went for a walk." NEUTRAL and FORMAL tone. Can go at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. Synonyms: though (informal), even though (more emphatic). Never followed by "but" in the same sentence: "Although it was late, but she stayed" = INCORRECT.
Although the project was behind schedule, the team managed to deliver a high-quality result by the deadline.
She decided to apply for the position although she knew the competition would be extremely strong.
Although I understand your concern, I do not think canceling the event is the right decision.
Concessive conjunction with STRONGER EMPHASIS on the surprise or strength of the contrast. "Even though she was exhausted, she stayed to help" = despite being exhausted (and this is noteworthy), she stayed. The "even" adds the nuance of "and what is more, despite this": the situation is more surprising or notable than with "although". Like "although": never "even though... but".
Even though he had prepared for months, he still felt nervous before the final exam.
She finished the marathon even though she had twisted her ankle at the halfway point.
Even though the salary was lower than her current job, she accepted the offer because of the growth opportunity.
Common mistake
Most frequent error: "Although... but". In Spanish it is natural to say "aunque... pero": "Aunque estaba cansada, pero se quedo." In English, NEVER combine "although" and "but" in the same sentence. "Although she was tired, but she stayed" = INCORRECT. Choose one: "Although she was tired, she stayed" OR "She was tired, but she stayed." The same rule applies to "even though... but" = INCORRECT. Both conjunctions already contain the idea of contrast — "but" would be redundant.
Trick to remember it
ALTHOUGH = neutral, formal, like "despite the fact that" without extra drama. EVEN THOUGH = although + surprise/emphasis, like "despite the fact that (and this is surprising)". The "even" trick: "even" means "incluso" (even, as in unexpectedly so) — it adds astonishment. "Even though she was sick, she came" = even while being sick (which is remarkable), she came. For most contexts they are interchangeable. Critical rule for both: NEVER + "but" in the same sentence. Although/Even though replace "but" — they do not accompany it.
Quick rule
Although = contrast or concession in neutral tone (though, even if). Even though = same meaning but with more emphasis on the surprise of the contrast (even despite). Both: NEVER followed by "but".
Did you know?
"Though" is the informal and colloquial version of "although", and it can be used at the end of a sentence in a way "although" cannot: "It was raining. We went for a walk, though" = it was raining. We went for a walk anyway. This end-of-sentence "though" is very common in conversational British and American English, equivalent to "anyway" or "all the same". "Although" and "even though" can never go at the end of a sentence this way.
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
_____ the budget was significantly smaller than planned, the marketing team achieved record results that quarter.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
"_____ she studied hard, but she did not pass the exam." Is this sentence correct?
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Although = contrast or concession in neutral tone (though, even if). Even though = same meaning but with more emphasis on the surprise of the contrast (even despite). Both: NEVER followed by "but".
Most frequent error: "Although... but". In Spanish it is natural to say "aunque... pero": "Aunque estaba cansada, pero se quedo." In English, NEVER combine "although" and "but" in the same sentence. "Although she was tired, but she stayed" = INCORRECT. Choose one: "Although she was tired, she stayed" OR "She was tired, but she stayed." The same rule applies to "even though... but" = INCORRECT. Both conjunctions already contain the idea of contrast — "but" would be redundant.
ALTHOUGH = neutral, formal, like "despite the fact that" without extra drama. EVEN THOUGH = although + surprise/emphasis, like "despite the fact that (and this is surprising)". The "even" trick: "even" means "incluso" (even, as in unexpectedly so) — it adds astonishment. "Even though she was sick, she came" = even while being sick (which is remarkable), she came. For most contexts they are interchangeable. Critical rule for both: NEVER + "but" in the same sentence. Although/Even though replace "but" — they do not accompany it.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy