Distinguishing Between Although & Even Though

Key Difference – Although vs Even Though

Although and even though are two conjunctions that are used to show contrast. While these terms have similar meanings and are used in similar grammatical contexts, there is a slight difference between them. Even though is a bit more emphatic and stronger than although. This is the main difference between the two. However, these conjunctions can be used interchangeably in most contexts.

Key Takeaways

• Although and even though are conjunctions that indicate contrast.
• Both conjunctions have the same meaning.
• Even though is slightly stronger and more emphatic than although.

What Does Although Mean?

Although is a conjunction that is used to indicate contrast. It has the same meaning as “in spite of,” “even though,” and “though.” This conjunction always follows a clause. The following examples illustrate the use of this conjunction.

Although he is much older than me, he looks younger.
He bought me an expensive watch, although I told him not to.
She has an expensive leather watch, although I have never seen her wear it.
Although he worked hard, he couldn’t pass the exam.
Although the restaurant was crowded, he managed to find a good table.

If you carefully observe the example sentences above, you’ll notice that although is always followed by a subject and a verb. You’ll also note that all these sentences have two clauses. The phrase with the conjunction can be either at the beginning of the sentence or in the middle. For example:

Although he worked hard, he couldn’t pass the exam. = He couldn’t pass the exam although he worked hard.

What Does Even Though Mean?

Even though has the same meaning as although. It also indicates contrast. Therefore, it is also used after a clause, just like although. The only difference between although and even though is that even though often indicates a stronger and more emphatic contrast. For example,

Even though he is a billionaire, he still drives his father’s old car. = He still drives his father’s old car even though he is a billionaire.
We planned a trip to Europe, even though we didn’t have money. = Even though we didn’t have money, we planned a trip to Europe.

However, it is not grammatically inaccurate to use even though and although interchangeably. This conjunction can also be used either at the beginning or in the middle of the sentence.

We enjoyed our trip to Lake District even though it rained every day.
We enjoyed our trip to Lake District although it rained every day.

He kept singing loudly even though I told him to stop several times.
He kept singing loudly although I told him to stop several times.

It should also be noted that this conjunction is always written as two words, not one word, i.e., even though, not even though.

What are the Similarities Between Although and Even Though?

• Although and even though are two conjunctions that indicate contrast.
• Both of them have the same meaning.
• Both these two conjunctions follow a clause, i.e., a subject and a verb.

What is the Difference Between Although and Even Though?

Although vs Even Though

Although is not as emphatic or strong as even though.
Even though is slightly stronger and emphatic than although.

In Writing

Although is written as one word.
Even though is written as two words.

Summary – Although vs Even Though

Although and even though are two conjunctions that indicate contrast. They have similar meanings and are used in similar contexts. The only difference between although and even though is the effect created by them; even though is slightly stronger and emphatic than although.