Introduction
Although, though and even though are somewhat confusing terms. Non-native English speakers specifically find it difficult to use these terms in their colloquial speech. There is a very thin difference between the usages of these words, which also makes it challenging for English teachers to teach these words. I have tried to explain the difference between though, although and even though simplest way possible so as to make it easy for students to grasp the difference between them.
1. Although
This is a term that is used in the initiation of the sentence or for the introduction of a clause. The clause, that is used later on, expresses a concession. So, when we use “although” in our sentences, we mean to imply the meaning “despite this”, “except” or “but”. For example, we can say:
“Although she laughed, she was very angry.”
The above sentence shows two opposite scenarios because “although” introduces the clause. Following are some of the other top examples of the “although”:
Keep it in your mind that the initial sentence of “although” should be followed by another complete sentence with a subject or verb. Otherwise, it would not be correct grammatically. So, there are two parts of the sentence, which are separated by a “comma”.
2. Though
Though has the same meaning as the term “although”. Both words denote the same meaning, which is “except”, “but”, “despite the fact” etc. we also use words “nevertheless”, “nonetheless” or even so” instead of “Though”. These words also denote the same meaning.
Generally, “though” is normally put in the middle of sentence. It denotes the similar meaning as “but” or “however”. “Though” is put in the middle of the sentence after addition of a comma. In this scenario, “though” means that the mentioned fact is lesser truer than its usual meaning.
But both of these words are used differently in the sentence. Although is always used at the beginning of the sentence, but the word “though” can be used in any part of the sentence. Word “though” can also be used at the end of the sentence.
You can also use “though” in the middle of the sentence as per your wish. But you cannot use although elsewhere in the sentence.
3. Even Though
Even though has the same meaning as the “although” and “though”. It can also be used similarly in the sentence. But the main difference is that “even though” is a stronger expression. Thus, “even though” shows strong expression and strong opinion than the sentences with “though” or “although”.
“Even though” is more empathetic and vocalizes greater emotion. The literal meaning of the word “even though” is the “despite the fact that”, “notwithstanding this” or “in spite of the fact this or that”. You can use these terms interchangeably with “even though” as well.
