although they are

USAGE SUMMARY

'although they are' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce a contrast between something previously stated and a new idea or condition. For example, "Although they are not the most financially secure, the family continues to be generous and help those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such arrangements actually do exist, although they are rare.

The New York Times

Calf implants never really took off, although they are available.

The New York Times - Science

31, 2001, although they are free to consider unsolicited offers.

The New York Times

Forget the politics, although they are complex enough.

The Guardian

Although they are not as explicit as they might be".

The Guardian

She supports Israel, although they are killing innocent people".

The New York Times

Although they are well meaning, their sympathy can be excruciating.

The New Yorker

Although they are "not resolved … we're definitely talking about it".

The Guardian

There are solutions, although they are not easy.

The New York Times

Many people love bridge although they are not star players.

The New York Times

"Tourbillons are not tools, although they are marketed as such.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "although they are" to introduce a contrasting idea or condition that doesn't negate the main point of your sentence. It adds nuance and acknowledges opposing factors.

Common error

Avoid using "although they are" when the contrasting condition completely negates the first part of the sentence. In such cases, a stronger contrastive conjunction like 'but' or 'however' might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "although they are" functions as a subordinating conjunction introducing a dependent clause that expresses concession or contrast. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and effectively used to present information that seems contradictory to the main clause. The examples illustrate its role in adding nuance and complexity to statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "although they are" is a versatile conjunction used to introduce a contrasting idea while maintaining the main point. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. It's frequently found in scientific writing, news articles, and encyclopedic entries, signaling its neutrality and suitability across various contexts. When using the phrase, remember to ensure the contrasting condition doesn't entirely negate the main clause. For alternatives, consider "even though they are" or "though they are".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even though they are

Replaces "although" with "even though" to emphasize the contrast.

though they are

"Though" is a more informal synonym for "although".

while they are

Indicates a contrast happening at the same time.

despite the fact that they are

Uses a more formal structure with "despite the fact that".

in spite of the fact that they are

Similar to "despite the fact that", but slightly less common.

even if they are

Shifts the meaning to a hypothetical condition.

regardless of whether they are

Emphasizes that something is true no matter what.

notwithstanding that they are

A more formal and less common way to express concession.

however, they are

Uses "however" as a conjunctive adverb to introduce the contrasting idea in a separate clause.

yet they are

Expresses contrast in a concise manner, often used in more literary or formal contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "although they are" in a sentence?

The phrase "although they are" is used to introduce a contrasting point or concession. For example, "Although they are expensive, these shoes are very durable."

What phrases are similar to "although they are"?

Similar phrases include "even though they are", "though they are", or "while they are", each conveying a slightly different nuance of contrast.

Is "although they're" the same as "although they are"?

Yes, "although they're" is a contraction of "although they are" and carries the same meaning. The choice between the two depends on the desired level of formality.

Can I start a sentence with "although they are"?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable to start a sentence with "although they are" to introduce a contrasting idea. Make sure to follow it with a main clause to complete the thought. For example, "Although they are small, these changes can have a significant impact."