Although vs. However: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 4, 2024
"Although conveys contrast within a single sentence, while 'however' indicates a contrast or contradiction between two separate sentences or clauses."
Key Differences
"Although" is a conjunction used to introduce a subordinate clause that presents a contrasting idea to the main clause. "However," on the other hand, is an adverb used to introduce a new sentence or clause that contrasts with the previous statement.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
"Although" implies a more direct connection between the contrasting ideas, typically within the same sentence. In contrast, "However" is used to start a new sentence or independent clause, suggesting a stronger separation between the ideas.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
In usage, "Although" often suggests a softer, more integrated form of contrast, while "However" is used for a more emphatic or abrupt shift in thought. Both serve to highlight a contrast, but "However" does so more starkly.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
"Although" can sometimes be substituted with "even though" or "while," keeping the sentence structure intact. "However" can be replaced with "but" or "yet," but often requires rephrasing the sentence for proper grammatical structure.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
While "Although" is more subtle and integrative, "However" is clear and distinct, making it suitable for formal writing where clarity of contrast is essential. Both are fundamental in constructing complex, nuanced arguments or narratives.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Sentence Position
Usually at the beginning of a subordinate clause
Usually at the beginning of a new sentence
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Jan 04, 2024
Function
Introduces a contrasting idea within the clause
Contrasts with the previous sentence or clause
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Jan 04, 2024
Effect on Sentence Structure
Connects clauses within a single sentence
Separates contrasting ideas into different sentences
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Jan 04, 2024
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Although and However Definitions
Although
Despite the fact that.
Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
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Dec 17, 2023
However
Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems to contradict something that has been said previously.
I thought the movie was overrated; however, my friend loved it.
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Dec 17, 2023
Although
Introducing a contrastive condition.
Although the task was difficult, they completed it on time.
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Dec 17, 2023
However
To whatever extent.
However hard he tried, he couldn't open the door.
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Dec 17, 2023
Although
Expressing a mild contradiction.
Although she disagreed, she followed the plan.
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Dec 17, 2023
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However
Expressing surprise or questioning.
However did you manage to solve that problem?
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Dec 17, 2023
Although
Used to introduce a contrasting element.
Although he was late, he still made a great impression.
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Dec 17, 2023
However
In spite of that; nevertheless; yet
The book is expensive.
However, it's worth it.
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Dec 13, 2023
However
On the other hand; by contrast
The first part was easy.
The second, however, took hours.
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Dec 13, 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 13, 2023
However
To whatever degree or extent
"The prospect of success, however remote, was tantalizing" (Stephen Baker).
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Dec 13, 2023
However
In what way. Used as an intensive of how
However did you get here so soon?.
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Dec 13, 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 13, 2023
Although
But, except.
It was difficult, although not as difficult as we had expected.
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Dec 13, 2023
However
(Archaic) Notwithstanding that; although
"Howe'er thou art a fiend, / a woman's shape doth shield thee" (Shakespeare).
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Dec 13, 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 13, 2023
However
(conjunctive) Nevertheless; yet, still; in spite of that.
He told me not to do it. However, I did it anyway. / I did it anyway, however. / I, however, did it anyway.
She wanted to go; however, she decided against it.
I didn't argue with him; I still think, however, that he is wrong.
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Dec 13, 2023
Although
Despite the fact that;
Even though she knew the answer, she did not respond
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Dec 13, 2023
However
(conjunctive) In contrast.
The conference itself went very well. The party afterwards, however, was a disaster.
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Dec 13, 2023
However
(degree) To whatever degree or extent.
However clear you think you've been, many questions will remain.
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Dec 13, 2023
However
In any way that one likes or chooses; in a haphazard or spontaneous way.
I don't care; just do it however.
Nothing was really planned; things just happened however.
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Dec 13, 2023
However
(interrogative) How ever: an emphatic form of how, used to ask in what manner.
I thought it was impossible. However were you able to do it?
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Dec 13, 2023
However
Regardless of the way in which.
Let me know when you've had your interview, however it goes.
However we do this, it isn't going to work.
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Dec 13, 2023
However
In any way in which.
She offered to help however she could.
Wear your hair however you want.
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Dec 13, 2023
However
In whetever manner, way, or degree.
However yet they me despise and spite.
Howe'er the business goes, you have made fault.
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Dec 13, 2023
However
At all events; at least; in any case.
Our chief end is to be freed from all, if it may be, however from the greatest evils.
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Dec 13, 2023
However
Nevertheless; notwithstanding; yet; still; though; as, I shall not oppose your design; I can not, however, approve of it.
In your excuse your love does little say;You might howe'er have took a better way.
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Dec 13, 2023
However
Despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession);
Although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try it
While we disliked each other, nevertheless we agreed
He was a stern yet fair master
Granted that it is dangerous, all the same I still want to go
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Dec 13, 2023
However
By contrast; on the other hand;
The first part was easy; the second, however, took hours
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Dec 13, 2023
However
To whatever degree or extent;
The results, however general, are important
They have begun, however reluctantly, to acknowledge the legitimacy of some of the opposition's concerns
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Dec 13, 2023
However
In whatever way or manner;
Victory, however it was brought about, was sweet
However he did it, it was very clever
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Dec 13, 2023
However
In what way or manner or by what means (`however' is sometimes used as an intensive form of `how');
How did you catch the snake?
He told us how he did it
However did you get here so soon?
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Dec 13, 2023
However
Indicating a significant shift or change in thought.
She was considered the best; however, recent events have changed that perception.
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Dec 17, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can "although" be used to start a sentence?
Yes, it often starts a sentence that forms part of a larger sentence.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Is "however" formal or informal?
"However" is considered formal and is often used in academic and professional writing.
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Jan 04, 2024
Where is "although" typically placed in a sentence?
It usually begins a subordinate clause that contrasts with the main clause.
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Jan 04, 2024
Can "however" be replaced with "but"?
Yes, but it might require rephrasing the sentence for correct grammar.
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Jan 04, 2024
Can "although" introduce a conclusion?
Not typically; it's more for presenting contrasting information or conditions.
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Jan 04, 2024
Is "however" always followed by a comma?
When starting a sentence, it is typically followed by a comma.
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Jan 04, 2024
Can "although" and "however" be used interchangeably?
No, they serve different grammatical purposes and are not interchangeable.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Does "although" imply a strong contrast?
It implies a more integrated and often softer contrast.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Is "however" used at the start or middle of a sentence?
It can be used at the start of a new sentence or after a semicolon.
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Jan 04, 2024
What is a common synonym for "although"?
"Even though" is a common synonym.
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Jan 04, 2024
Is "however" used to connect two independent clauses?
Yes, it's often used to connect two independent but contrasting clauses.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Is it grammatically correct to end a sentence with "although"?
No, "although" should not be used at the end of a sentence.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Can "however" be used in the middle of a sentence?
Yes, particularly when used as a parenthetical expression.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Do "although" and "however" convey the same degree of contrast?
Not exactly; "however" often indicates a stronger or more abrupt contrast.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Are "although" and "however" suitable for all types of writing?
Yes, but "however" is more formal and thus more common in academic and professional contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Can "although" be omitted in a sentence?
Sometimes, but it may change the emphasis or meaning of the sentence.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
What is the effect of "however" on sentence rhythm?
It often creates a pause and emphasizes the contrast.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Does "although" require a comma after it?
No, it's not usually followed by a comma.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Can "however" begin a paragraph?
Yes, it can effectively introduce a contrasting point in a new paragraph.
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Jan 04, 2024
Is it common to use "although" in casual conversation?
Yes, it's common in both casual and formal contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
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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.
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