Meaning & use
even though or although
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Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
Used to introduce a fact that makes the main statement surprising or contrasting.
Grammar: Followed by a clause with a subject and verb: even though it rained, we went out.
Patterns
- even though + clause
- although + clause
- even though or although + subject + verb
Even though she was tired, she finished the report.
Although he studied hard, he didn't pass the exam.
I like him even though he can be annoying.
phrasefixed phrase
Used when asking which of the two contrast words fits a particular sentence.
Grammar: Often appears in questions about grammar choices: 'Should I use even though or although here?'
Patterns
- even though or although?
- use even though or although
Should I write 'even though' or 'although' in this sentence?
The teacher asked us to choose between even though and although.
Common combinations
- even though it is
- Even though it is expensive, I want to buy it.
- although not
- She agreed, although not enthusiastically.
- even though or although
- We discussed whether to use even though or although.
Synonyms and how they differ
- though
- More informal and can come at the end of a sentence; 'although' is more formal and usually starts a clause.
- while
- Can also show contrast, but often suggests a balance between two ideas, not surprise.
- whereas
- Used for direct contrast between two facts, often in formal writing; not for surprising facts.
Commonly confused: even though or although or despite? even though or although or however?
even though or although vs despite
Despite is a preposition and takes a noun or -ing form, not a clause: despite the rain, not despite it rained.
even though or although vs however
However is an adverb and needs a separate clause or sentence; it cannot join two clauses like although.
Practice
Choose the correct word: ______ it was cold, she went swimming.
Choose one answer.
'Even though' introduces a contrast clause and fits before 'it was cold'. 'Despite' would need a noun (despite the cold), 'However' cannot join clauses here, and 'Because' would give a reason, not a contrast.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “even though or although”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.