However vs Although: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Although" is used to connect subordinate clauses within the same sentence, while "however" expresses contrast between independent sentences.
Memory Tip: although = connects clauses, however = contrasts sentences
although has /ðoʊ/ sound, however has /ˈhaʊ/ sound
however /həʊˈɛvər/
adverbUsed to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems to contradict something that has been said previously.
Example:
I wanted to buy the blue dress; however, it was too expensive for my budget.
Common patterns:
however hard
however much
however long
although /ɔːlˈðoʊ/
conjunctionUsed to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems to contradict something that has been said previously.
Example:
Although I was feeling tired, I decided to go for a walk to clear my mind.
Common patterns:
although + clause
although + subject + verb
Common Mistakes
I was tired, although I went to the gym.
I was tired, however, I went to the gym.
The sentence contrasts two independent clauses, so 'however' is appropriate.
Although it was raining, however, we decided to go for a walk.
Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.
'Although' introduces a subordinate clause, so 'however' is redundant here.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. I wanted to buy the blue dress; ____, it was too expensive for my budget.
2. ____ I was feeling tired, I decided to go for a walk to clear my mind.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse however / although again
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