Although, even though (examples, how to use)
Although and even though are conjunctions and have the same meaning. They are used at the beginning of a subordinate clause, and express that the action in the main clause is surprising, unusual, or unexpected:
- He drives a second-hand car, [main clause] even though he’s a multi-millionaire. [subordinate clause]
In the above example, the speaker is saying that it is unusual or surprising that a millionaire drives a second-hand car.
We could also begin with the subordinate clause, without changing the meaning:
Even though he’s a multi-millionaire, he drives a second-hand car.
More examples
- Although/even though/though it rained a lot, I enjoyed the holiday.
- I enjoyed the holiday, although/even though/though it rained a lot.
- Although/even though/though he was much older than the others, he won the race.
- He won the race, although/even though/though he was much older than the others.
Notes
In spoken English we sometimes use though instead of although.
We can use even though instead of although/though to add emphasis.
Although and though (but NOT even though) can also mean but or however. When we use though in this context, it must be placed at the end of the sentence.
- They had waterproofs on, although they still got wet.
- They had waterproofs on. They still got wet, though. (informal)
- They had waterproofs on. However, they still got wet.
See also
Grammar: Despite, in spite of
Practice exercise 1. (upper-intermediate): Despite, in spite of, although, even though ex.1
Practice exercise 2. (upper-intermediate): Despite, in spite of, although, even though ex. 2
Sam - May 5, 2021, 5:53 am
As “even though” and “although” are subordinating conjunctions, why are the commas before them in the example sentences above?
Stuart Cook - May 5, 2021, 7:51 am
Hello Sam
Good question and well spotted. It’s a tricky one. I’ll refer you to the following article and particularly to the sentence ‘In general, it is conventional to place [a comma] before “strong” subordinating conjunctions such as (al)though and whereas, and to omit them before weaker ones such as when and until.”
https://thecriticalreader.com/commas-and-subordinate-clauses/
DAyer - August 29, 2023, 12:20 am
You can flip it around and have the main clause first – in those examples everything after the comma is extra information.