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Meaning & use

although subordinating conjunction

conjunction·Academicformal

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UK/ɔːlˈðəʊ/
US/ɔːlˈðoʊ/

Meanings

  1. conjunctionformal

    used to introduce a fact that makes the main statement seem surprising or contrasting

    Grammar: It begins a subordinate clause, which can come before or after the main clause: 'Although it rained, we went out.' / 'We went out although it rained.'

    Patterns

    • although + clause
    • although + subject + verb
    • although it is true that ...

    Although she was tired, she finished the report.

    He still plays tennis, although his knee hurts.

    Although the task was difficult, they completed it on time.

  2. conjunctionformal

    used to add a comment that slightly corrects or limits what you have just said

    Grammar: It adds a limiting point, often after the main clause: 'The car is old, although it runs well.'

    Patterns

    • although + clause after a statement
    • although in fairness ...

    The hotel was cheap, although it was quite far from the beach.

    I like the design, although the color could be better.

Common combinations

although it is true that
Although it is true that prices rose, wages also increased.
although not always
The service is good, although not always fast.
although in some cases
The rule applies to everyone, although in some cases exceptions are made.

Synonyms and how they differ

though
'Though' is more common in everyday speech and can also go at the end of a sentence: 'It's cold. I like it, though.'
even though
This adds emphasis and often suggests a stronger contrast: 'Even though he apologized, she was still upset.'
while
'While' can also show contrast but often suggests two things happening at the same time.

Opposites

because

Word family

though conjunction
a shorter, more informal way to introduce a contrasting fact

Commonly confused: although subordinating conjunction or despite? although subordinating conjunction or however?

although subordinating conjunction vs despite

'Despite' is a preposition and is followed by a noun or -ing form, not a clause: 'Despite the rain, we went out.' You cannot say 'Despite it rained.'

although subordinating conjunction vs however

'However' is an adverb that joins ideas across sentences or clauses and needs a comma: 'It rained. However, we went out.' It does not introduce a subordinate clause the way 'although' does.

Practice

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