Although vs. Even Though: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Although" and "Even Though" both introduce contrasting ideas, but "even though" implies a stronger contrast or a more surprising outcome.
Key Differences
"Although" is used to introduce a statement that makes the main part of the sentence more surprising. It suggests a mild contrast. "Even though," however, introduces a statement that provides a stronger, more emphatic contrast to the main clause.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
In usage, "although" often precedes a less surprising or less significant contrasting idea. It softens the contrast. "Even though," in contrast, is used when the information following it is more unexpected or unusual.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
"Although" can be seen as a more general-purpose connector for contrasting ideas. "Even though" is best reserved for situations where the contrast is particularly stark or noteworthy.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Stylistically, "although" is more neutral and can be used in a wide range of contexts. "Even though" carries a tone of emphasis, making it more suitable for situations where the writer wants to highlight the contrast.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
"Although" often appears in both formal and informal contexts, while "even though" might be more common in scenarios that require a stronger emotional or logical emphasis.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Frequency of Use
Common in both formal and informal writing
More frequently used for notable or surprising contrasts
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Dec 18, 2023
Example Usage
"Although it rained, we still had a picnic."
"Even though it rained heavily, we still had a picnic."
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Dec 18, 2023
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Although and Even Though Definitions
Although
Introducing a clause that contrasts with the main clause.
Although it was cold, she went for a walk.
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Dec 11, 2023
Even Though
Used to emphasize a surprising or paradoxical contrast.
Even though it's expensive, people love buying it.
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Dec 11, 2023
Although
Preceding a statement that somewhat contradicts what has just been said.
Although the movie was long, it was very entertaining.
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Dec 11, 2023
Even Though
Preceding a statement that is notably contradictory to the previous one.
Even though the weather was terrible, the event was a success.
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Dec 11, 2023
Although
Used to introduce a contradictory idea that diminishes the impact of the previous statement.
Although he's famous, he lives a simple life.
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Even Though
Expressing a strong concession.
Even though she didn't prepare, she passed the test.
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Dec 11, 2023
Although
Expressing a concession.
Although tired, she completed the marathon.
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Dec 11, 2023
Even Though
Indicating a particularly striking or unexpected circumstance.
Even though the odds were against him, he won the race.
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Dec 11, 2023
Although
Indicating a contrasting circumstance.
Although the task was difficult, they completed it on time.
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Dec 11, 2023
Even Though
Introducing a statement that contrasts strongly with the main clause.
Even though he was ill, he attended the meeting.
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Dec 11, 2023
Although
Regardless of the fact that; even though
Although the room is big, it won't hold all that furniture.
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Dec 10, 2023
Although
Though, even though, in spite of or despite the fact that: introducing a clause that expresses a concession.
Although it was very muddy, the football game went on.
The patients, (al)though getting stronger, will not come off their medications.
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Dec 10, 2023
Although
But, except.
It was difficult, although not as difficult as we had expected.
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Dec 10, 2023
Although
Grant all this; be it that; supposing that; notwithstanding; though.
Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.
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Dec 10, 2023
Although
Despite the fact that;
Even though she knew the answer, she did not respond
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Dec 10, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can "although" and "even though" be used interchangeably?
They can often be used interchangeably, but "even though" implies a stronger contrast.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Can "even though" begin a sentence?
Yes, "even though" can start a sentence when introducing a contrasting clause.
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Dec 18, 2023
Can "although" be used at the end of a sentence?
No, "although" is not typically used at the end of a sentence.
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Dec 18, 2023
Do "although" and "even though" require a comma when used in the middle of a sentence?
Generally, a comma is used after the clause they introduce if it's in the middle of a sentence.
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Dec 18, 2023
Are "although" and "even though" followed by a subject and verb?
Yes, both are typically followed by a clause with a subject and verb.
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Dec 18, 2023
Is "although" formal?
"Although" is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Can "although" be used to start a conclusion?
It's uncommon, as "although" is typically used to introduce a contrasting idea, not a conclusion.
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Dec 18, 2023
Are "although" and "even though" used in spoken English?
Yes, both are commonly used in spoken English.
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Dec 18, 2023
Can "although" be replaced with "though"?
Yes, in many cases, "though" can be used as a less formal alternative to "although."
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Dec 18, 2023
Can "even though" be used to introduce a positive idea after a negative one?
Yes, it's often used to introduce a positive idea following a negative statement.
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Dec 18, 2023
Is there a difference in emphasis between "although" at the beginning vs. the middle of a sentence?
The position doesn't significantly change the emphasis, but starting a sentence with "although" can make the contrast more prominent.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Can "even though" be used to soften a statement?
It's more commonly used for emphasis rather than softening a statement.
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Dec 18, 2023
Can "although" and "even though" be used in compound sentences?
Yes, they are often used to introduce a contrasting clause in a compound sentence.
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Dec 18, 2023
Is "even though" more emphatic than "although"?
Yes, "even though" is used for stronger, more emphatic contrasts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Do "although" and "even though" change the verb tense?
No, they do not affect the verb tense.
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Dec 18, 2023
Can "although" be used to express surprise?
It can, but "even though" is more commonly used for expressing surprise.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Is it grammatically correct to use "but" after "although" or "even though"?
It's generally redundant and not recommended to use "but" immediately after "although" or "even though."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Is "even though" appropriate in academic writing?
Yes, it can be used in academic writing for emphasizing a strong contrast.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Can "although" and "even though" be used in questions?
It's uncommon, but they can be used in rhetorical questions or in certain question forms.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Are there any synonyms for "although" and "even though"?
"Though," "while," and "whereas" can be synonyms in some contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.