though

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "though" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a conjunction to connect two contrasting ideas or sentences. "Though" can also be used in a sentence to express a condition. Example sentence: Though it was raining outside, she decided to go for her daily walk.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Regardless, though, any individual bettor knows that if he wins, the casino loses, and vice versa.

The Economist

Most of all, though, it was the game that proved Conte's Juventus could indeed be beaten – even if wresting the title from their grasp would turn out to be another matter altogether.

The Guardian - Sport

One day, though, I got to ask him the big question: "Tell me sir, why do you think they haven't given you the Nobel prize?" After a long pause and an amused smile, he replied, "Well, it is a European prize, and only once in a while, when they find you worthy, do they give it out to non-Europeans".

The Guardian - Books

The gap, though, was not large: Labour have 83 target seats at stake with Ukip as a complicating factor.

The Guardian

Nearby juxtaposition of the line "In God we trust", though, is the source of many American conundrums.

The Guardian

Nine months later, though, the hopes of the club destined to become the greatest England had ever seen were destroyed in the slush on the runaway of Munich's old airport.

The Guardian - Sport

Broadly, though, this study paints a discouraging picture.

The Guardian

The risks, though, are considerable – not least because if The X Factor flops, then Fox may well drop the show and concentrate its efforts on Idol.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Strangely, though, Juncker did not run for a parliamentary seat.

The Guardian

Considering his backstory, though, this kind of publicity may not be too harmful.

The Guardian - Music

"I knew her from Prague – though not as well as I knew his second wife.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "though" to create a smooth transition between contrasting ideas within a sentence or between sentences. It adds a touch of informality compared to "although" or "even though".

Common error

Avoid using "though" when you mean "therefore" or "as a result". "Though" indicates contrast, not causation. For instance, instead of "The car was old, though it broke down", write "The car was old, so it broke down".

Linguistic Context

"Though" primarily functions as a conjunction, connecting two clauses where one contrasts with the other. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates contrast, concession, or intensification. Examples show it introducing subordinate clauses or modifying entire sentences, offering a nuanced way to express contrary information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "though" is a versatile conjunction and adverb used to introduce contrast, concession, or emphasis. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various writing contexts. While alternatives like "although" or "nevertheless" may suit more formal settings, "though" provides a more casual yet still effective way to connect contrasting ideas. Just remember, it's not a direct replacement for "therefore" but a valuable tool for expressing nuanced relationships between different pieces of information, as evidenced by examples from reliable sources like The Guardian and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

although

Replaces "though" as a conjunction introducing a subordinate clause expressing a contrast.

even though

Emphasizes the contrast or concession more strongly than "though".

notwithstanding

A more formal synonym for "though", used to indicate that something is true despite another factor.

despite the fact that

A longer and more explicit way to introduce a contrasting idea.

however

Functions as an adverb to introduce a contrasting statement or idea.

nevertheless

Indicates a contrast or contradiction; more formal than "though".

still

Similar to "though" in indicating that something is the case despite what has been said.

yet

Similar to "still" and "though", indicating a contrast or something unexpected.

admittedly

Used to acknowledge something, often followed by a contrasting point.

in spite of

Indicates that something occurs despite an obstacle or contrasting factor.

FAQs

How can I use "though" in a sentence?

"Though" can be used as a conjunction to introduce a contrasting idea, as in "Though it was raining, I went for a walk", or as an adverb to add emphasis, as in "I enjoyed the movie, "though"".

What's the difference between "though", "although", and "even though"?

"Though", "although", and "even though" are all used to introduce a contrasting idea. "Though" is the most informal, while "even though" adds more emphasis to the contrast than "although".

Can "though" be used at the end of a sentence?

Yes, "though" can be used at the end of a sentence as an adverb to add emphasis or express a reservation, as in "I like the plan, I have some concerns, "though"".

What can I say instead of "though" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using "although", "even though", "nevertheless", or "notwithstanding".