although

although — conjunction

1. used to introduce a fact that makes the other part of the sentence seem surprisi

1.連接詞B1
釋義

used to introduce a fact that makes the other part of the sentence seem surprising or unexpected; the speaker accepts the first fact is true but still says the second one happens.

例句

Although Gita was tired, she finished her homework before bed.

although + clause at sentence start, comma before main clause

The little boy ate the whole pizza, although he had a stomach ache afterwards.

main clause + although + clause for adding a contrasting fact

同義詞
  • though

    more informal, common in speech; can also end a sentence ('I'm tired, though')

  • even though

    stronger emphasis on the contrast; the surprise feels bigger

  • while

    softer concession, often signals a polite acknowledgement before disagreeing

反義詞
  • because

    introduces a reason rather than a contrast

文法句型

although + clause, + main clause

main clause + although + clause

用法筆記

Never pair 'although' with 'but' in the same sentence. English uses ONE connector per pair of clauses, unlike Chinese 雖然…但是. Choose either 'although X, Y' or 'X, but Y' — not both.

常見錯誤

❌Although she was tired, but she kept working.
✅Although she was tired, she kept working.
💡drop 'but'; English already shows the contrast through 'although'.
❌Although it rained but the picnic was fun.
✅Although it rained, the picnic was fun.
💡Chinese 雖然…但是 doublet does not transfer to English; use only one connector.
❌Although tired.
✅Although she was tired, she kept going.
💡'although' must introduce a full clause with a subject and verb, not a fragment.

2. used after a statement to add a piece of information that makes the first part l

2.連接詞B1
釋義

used after a statement to add a piece of information that makes the first part less complete or less strong, often a small qualification the speaker just thought of.

例句

I think Farouk will join the trip, although I haven't asked her yet.

although + clause adds a softening qualification after a statement

The new bakery is wonderful, although the cookies are a little too sweet for me.

limiting comment that narrows the previous praise

同義詞
  • but

    more direct; lacks the softening, afterthought feel of 'although' here

  • though

    the most natural informal swap for this limiting use

文法句型

[statement] + , although + clause

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1: here 'although' adds an afterthought-style qualifier and the clause almost always comes AFTER the main statement. In sense 1 the 'although' clause may come first and the contrast is sharper.

常見錯誤

❌The film was great although.
✅The film was great, although the ending felt rushed.
💡this sense still needs a full following clause; use 'though' if you want a sentence-final tag word.