Though, although, and even though are often used interchangeably. And why not? All three are used as subordinating conjunctions introducing adverb clauses, and all three mean despite the fact that – more or less. How do you then tell which of the following is correct usage, for example?
Though Mac was tired, he continued working late into the night.
Although Mac was tired, he continued working late into the night.
Even though Mac was tired, he continued working late into the night.
In this post, you’ll learn subtle differences between the three, so that you can prefer one over the other, depending on circumstances.
Though vs. Although
The two are commonly used interchangeably as subordinating conjunctions introducing adverb clauses of concession, conveying the same meaning. Examples:
Though Mac was tired, he continued working late into the night.
Although Mac was tired, he continued working late into the night.
When to use which?
Although is used more in formal situations (hence is more common in writing) and though is used more in informal situations (hence is more common in speaking).
More resources:
- Test yourself with exercises on though vs. although vs. even though
Even though is more emphatic form of both
If you’re not satisfied with the concessive force of subordinating conjunction though and although, you can use its more forceful version even though. In other words, even though is more emphatic version of though and although. Examples:
Though Mac was tired, he continued working late into the night. [Mostly informal. Moderate emphasis on being tired]
Although Mac was tired, he continued working late into the night. [Mostly formal. Moderate emphasis on being tired]
Even though Mac was tired, he continued working late into the night. [Mostly formal. Greater emphasis on being tired]
If you’re Mac’s friend, conveying his working condition, you’ll likely use even though.
Though can be a conjunctive adverb as well
Unlike the other two, though extends beyond conjunction: It can be used as conjunctive adverb as well in the meaning of however. In this use, it can come at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of a clause or sentence, but end position is more common. Examples:
The weather was cold; I went for a walk, though.
She was offered a promotion at work; though, she chose to stay in her current position.
He managed to finish the marathon. It was tough, although. [Incorrect]
The restaurant was quite busy during lunchtime; although, the service remained quick and efficient. [Incorrect]
He managed to finish the marathon. It was tough, even though. [Incorrect]
To summarize, though, although, and even though can be used as subordinating conjunctions, with the same meaning. Though is more used informally, and although and even though are more used formally. Even though expresses the concessive meaning more emphatically than the other two. That was on conjunction side of things. Though is different from the other two in that it can be used as a conjunctive adverb as well.
