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Which one to use?Intermediateconjuncionconjuncion
AlthoughvsEven though
'Although' expresses contrast neutrally; 'even though' adds stronger emphasis to what is unexpected.
Side-by-side comparison
Although
conjuncionUse it to introduce something that goes against what you would expect, while still acknowledging it is true. Never add "but" in the same sentence, one of them is redundant.
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.
Even though
conjuncionUse it when the contrast is especially surprising or striking. It works exactly like "although" but feels stronger. Never add "but" in the same sentence.
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
- •The most serious mistake: combining "although" with "but" in the same sentence.
- •"Although she was tired, but she stayed" is wrong.
- •Pick one: "Although she was tired, she stayed" or "She was tired, but she stayed".
Trick to remember it
- •"Although" = neutral, formal contrast.
- •"Even though" = same meaning with more emphasis on surprise.
- •Both replace "but" in a sentence; they never accompany it.
Quick rule
- •"Although" and "even though" are nearly synonymous.
- •Never combine either with "but" in the same sentence.
Did you know?
"Though" is the informal version of "although" and has a special trick: it can go at the end of a sentence in a way "although" never can. "It was raining. We went for a walk, though" (we went anyway) is perfectly natural in conversational English. "Although" and "even though" can never end a sentence this way.
Practise what you learned
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
_____ it was raining, we decided to go for a walk anyway.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
"Although she was tired, but she kept working." Is this sentence correct?
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Related word pairs
DespitevsAlthough
"Despite" is followed by a noun; "although" introduces a full clause with subject and verb.
WhilevsWhereas
'While' can express simultaneous time or moderate contrast; 'whereas' expresses only direct contrast between two opposing facts.
AvsAn
'A' is used before consonant sounds; 'an' is used before vowel sounds.
A lot ofvsMany
'A lot of' works for countable and uncountable; 'many' only for countable; 'much' only for uncountable.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy