Main Difference – Though vs Although
Though and although are two conjunctions that mean despite the fact or even though. Since they have the same meanings as conjunctions, they are interchangeable. The main difference between though and although is that although is considered to be more formal than though. It is mostly used in formal contexts, whereas though is used in both formal and informal contexts. It is also important to note that though and although are interchangeable only as conjunctions; though can be used as an adverb while although cannot.
Though – Meaning and Usage
Though can function as a conjunction as well as an adverb. As a conjunction, though is similar in meaning to despite the fact, even though, even if, etc. When though is used as a conjunction, it can occur at the beginning or the middle of a sentence. It is however always found at the beginning of a clause. You can observe this feature in the following examples.
Though as a Conjunction:
I failed the exam though I worked hard.
Though she didn’t introduce us, I knew he was her brother.
Though it is more expensive than other restaurants, it’s always crowded.
You might have also noticed instances where though occurs at the end of a sentence. Though generally occurs at the end of a sentence when it functions as an adverb. As an adverb, though is similar in meaning to however or nevertheless. Given below are some sentences that use though as an adverb.
Though as an Adverb:
I liked that car; I don’t have the money to buy it, though.
It was nice of you to call me, though.
He doesn’t look as though he is paying attention.
He tried to make a cake though he didn’t know how to cook.
Although – Meaning and Usage
Although is a conjunction. It has the same meaning of the conjunction, though. It is also equivalent to even though, despite the fact, in spite of the fact, etc. The main difference between though and although is that although is more formal than though. It is mainly used in formal and written contexts.
Although I worked hard, I didn’t pass the exam.
This restaurant is always crowded although it is more expensive than the others.
Note that when the clause that contains the conjunction is at the beginning of the sentence, a comma is used to mark the end of the first clause. But when although is at the middle of the sentence, a comma is not needed. This rule applies to both though and although.
It is also important to remember that though and although are only interchangeable as conjunctions. Although has no adverbial use, unlike though. Therefore, when though is used as an adverb, it cannot be replaced by though.
Although the café was crowded, they managed to find a table.
Difference Between Though and Although
Use
Though is a conjunction and an adverb.
Although is a conjunction.
Formality
Though is not as formal as although.
Although is more formal than though.
Interchangeability
Though can be interchanged with although when though acts as a conjunction.
Although can be interchanged with though.
Position
Though can occur at the beginning, middle or the end of a sentence.
Although can occur at the beginning or middle of a sentence.
