Difference between though and although

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This is part of the difference between series.

Two commonly confused words are though and although. Here’s the difference between the two.

Though

When used as a conjunction, though and although are interchangeable. However, though can also be an adverb. Here’s an example of though as an adverb.

Sure, I’ll go with you to the concert; I’m not a fan of the band though.

Although

As mentioned above, although is a conjunction and is virtually identical in this usage with though. Here is an example where although or though can be used.

Although he’s kind of short, he runs quite quickly.

Though he’s kind of short, he runs quite quickly.

If you’re joining two independent clauses (“He is kind of short.” and “He runs quite quickly.”, for example), you can use although or though. It’s strictly a style issue. That being said, although is a bit more formal than though, so keep your audience in mind when choosing which to use.

Which words do you confuse? Let me know in the comments below.

By Kim Siever

I am a copywriter and copyeditor. I blog on writing and social media tips mostly, but I sometimes throw in my thoughts about running a small business. Follow me on Twitter at @hotpepper.