though
though — adverb
1. used to add a statement that contrasts with or limits what has just been said, w
used to add a statement that contrasts with or limits what has just been said, without changing the overall picture — for example, saying a hotel room was small but still comfortable, adding "though" to keep your earlier judgment balanced.
The hotel room was tiny. It was surprisingly comfortable, though.
adverb "though" at end of sentence
I don't usually enjoy long flights. The service on this one was excellent, though.
contrasting an earlier negative statement
Jisoo looked tired. She kept working at her desk, though.
Mateo said he would finish the report by Friday. I have my doubts, though.
The weather forecast was terrible. We decided to go ahead with the picnic, though.
- however
more formal and can begin a sentence; 'though' is more conversational and placed at the end
- nevertheless
much more formal; used in academic and professional writing, rarely in speech
- still
similar in meaning but placed before the verb rather than at the end
文法句型
placed at the end or in the middle of a clause
用法筆記
This adverb sense always attaches to a complete clause and NEVER begins a sentence — it sounds unnatural in writing to start a sentence with 'though' when you mean 'however'. Use 'however' or 'nevertheless' instead for sentence-initial contrast. In spoken English, 'though' is very common at the end of a sentence to soften a contrast.
常見錯誤
though — conjunction
1. used to say that something is true or happens even when another fact suggests it
used to say that something is true or happens even when another fact suggests it should not be — for example, going for a walk though the rain was falling, or enjoying a film though the ending was sad.
Though the rain was falling, the children ran straight to the playground.
contrary expectation: rain → stay inside, but they went out
Jisoo accepted the job offer though the salary was lower than she had hoped.
though + clause in mid-sentence (no comma)
Though Nadia had studied for the exam for weeks, she still felt nervous.
The garden looked beautiful though none of the flowers had bloomed yet.
Difficult though the decision was, the manager chose to close the factory.
- although
identical in meaning; 'although' is slightly more formal and preferred in academic writing
- even though
stronger emphasis on contrast; suggests the obstacle was more significant
- despite the fact that
more wordy and formal; used in careful writing to introduce a noun phrase
- because
introduces a reason rather than a contrast
文法句型
though + clause
Adjective/Adverb + though + Subject + Verb
用法筆記
This sense can appear in an inverted structure: 'Adjective / Adverb + though + Subject + Verb' (e.g., 'Strange though it may seem'). This is more formal and literary. Some learners confuse this sense with the adverb sense — remember that the conjunction connects two clauses within a single sentence; the adverb adds a contrast across two separate sentences.
常見錯誤
2. used to attach a clause that offers a detail which slightly reduces the force or
used to attach a clause that offers a detail which slightly reduces the force or weight of what was just said — for example, saying you will help, though you cannot promise anything, which admits the limitation without cancelling the offer.
I'll try to come to the party, though I can't promise anything.
softening the earlier promise with a limitation
Walid agreed to help with the move, though he was not sure about the timing.
The apartment was small, though it had a lovely view of the old town.
The hike was tiring, though the view from the top made every step worthwhile.
David speaks French quite well, though his grammar sometimes slips in conversation.
文法句型
though + clause
用法筆記
Distinguish from conjunction sense 1 (DESPITE THE FACT): sense 1 presents a real obstacle that the main clause overcomes; sense 2 adds a minor contrasting point that weakens but does NOT contradict the main clause. Example: 'Though it rained, we went' (sense 1 — rain was an obstacle). 'We went, though it rained a little' (sense 2 — rain is an afterthought, not an obstacle overcome).
常見錯誤
3. used to describe the way something looks, sounds, or feels, suggesting a situati
used to describe the way something looks, sounds, or feels, suggesting a situation that may not be actually true — for example, someone who acts as though they own the place, when really they are just a guest.
Marcus looked at me as though he had never seen me before in his life.
as though + past perfect for unreal past
Tariro spoke as though she had known the project inside out from day one.
The guard checked the sign — it looked as though the museum would close early today.
The dog acted as though it had never seen a cat before.
Allison walked out of the meeting as though nothing unusual had happened.
文法句型
as though + clause
as though + Subject + Past Tense
用法筆記
In this sense, 'though' is almost always paired with 'as' to form 'as though', which is interchangeable with 'as if'. 'As though' is slightly more common in British English. After 'as though', a past tense often signals that the situation is unreal or imagined (past subjunctive), while a present tense suggests a real possibility. Example: 'She acts as though she knows him' (maybe she does) vs. 'She acts as though she knew him' (she doesn't).