although - though

◊ used as conjunctions

You use although or though to introduce a subordinate clause in which you mention something which contrasts with what you are saying in the main clause. Though is not used in very formal English.

It was not for myself that I wanted the old piano, although I could play a little.

It wasn't entirely my decision, though I think that generally I agree with it.

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You can put `even' in front of though for emphasis.

She wore a fur coat, even though it was a very hot day.

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Note that you do not put `even' in front of although.

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◊ WARNING

When a sentence begins with although or though, you do not use `but' or `yet' to introduce the main clause. You do not say, for example, `Although he was late, yet he stopped to buy a sandwich'. You say `Although he was late, he stopped to buy a sandwich'.

Although he was English, he spoke fluent and rapid French.

Though he hadn't stopped working all day, he wasn't tired.

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You also do not use although or though in front of a noun group. You do not say, for example, `Although his hard work, he failed his exam'. You say `In spite of his hard work, he failed his exam' or `Despite his hard work, he failed his exam'.

In spite of poor health, my father was always cheerful.

Despite her forcefulness, Cindy was uncertain what to do next.

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When a clause beginning with though ends with a complement, you can bring the complement forward to the beginning of the clause. For example, instead of saying `Though he was tired, he insisted on coming to the meeting', you can say `Tired though he was, he insisted on coming to the meeting'.

Tempting though it may be to follow this point through, it is not really relevant and we had better move on.

I had to accept the fact, improbable though it was.

Astute business man though he was, Philip was capable at times of extreme recklessness.

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When a clause beginning with though ends with an adverb, you can often put the adverb at the beginning of a clause.

Some members of the staff couldn't handle Murray's condition, hard though they tried.

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However, when a clause beginning with although ends with a complement or adverb, you cannot move the complement or adverb to the beginning of the clause.

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◊ 'though' used as an adverb

Though is sometimes used as an adverb. You use it when you are making a statement which contrasts with what you have just said. You usually put though after the first word group in the sentence. In conversation, you can also put though at the end of a sentence.

Barrington, though, was soon into his stride.

Gradually, though, it all came together.

For Newcastle, though, it was the climax of a hectic year.

I can't stay. I'll have a coffee though.

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Note that although is never used as an adverb.

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