This week’s tip of the week is the difference between the conjunctions though and although
• The basic difference is that though is used more often in informal speech and although is used in more formal speech. Both conjunctions are interchangeable and mean obwohl.
Though and although introduce an idea (‘A’) which is in contrast to the main clause (‘B’).
Example 1: Although (A) I didn’t really have enough money, (B) I decided to go on holiday.
→ Here “I didn’t really have enough money” is the idea that is being introduced in contrast to the main clause which is “I decided to go on holiday”.
Example 2: I don’t like him, although I agree that he’s a good manager.
→ Here, “I don’t like him” is the main clause and, “I agree that he’s a good manager” is the idea that is being introduced in contrast to it.
‼ Note that in sentences such as example one, the two clauses are separated by a comma and in sentences such as example two, we put a comma before ‘although’.
Other uses of ‘though’
• Though can also be used as an adverb (often at the end of a sentence) to mean ‘however’ or ‘but’
For example: Nice day. – Yes. Bit cold, though
• Even though is a conjunction that means ‘despite the fact that’
For example: Even though she was younger than me, she had a lot more experience in the job market
• As though is another way to say ‘as if’
For example: You look as though you haven’t slept for a week!