though I know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "though I know" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrast or concession, often indicating that the speaker is aware of something but still feels a certain way or takes a certain action. Example: "Though I know the risks, I still want to try skydiving."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Observation!" Other days, though, I know I'm making progress.

The New Yorker

Now, though, I know what a pommel horse is!

The Guardian - Opinion

Please understand though, I know of what I speak.

Huffington Post

Now, though, I know such a lot about being afraid.

Vice

"I feel as though I know Bella," Ms. Terrebonne said.

The New York Times

Even though I know I've made mistakes, myself".

The New York Times

Sometimes I feel fat even though I know I'm not.

The New York Times

Come back, I cry, though I know she cannot.

The New Yorker

Even though I know that he loves it.

The New York Times - Sports

Stop looking at me as though I know.

The Guardian - Music

Like rereading books, I like seeing movies again even though I know what's going to happen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, consider replacing "though I know" with alternatives like "although I'm aware" or "even if I understand" to slightly shift the emphasis or formality.

Common error

Avoid using "though I know" when the knowledge being acknowledged is already implied or obvious from the surrounding context. This can lead to unnecessary wordiness and weaken the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "though I know" introduces a subordinate clause expressing concession or contrast. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it acknowledges a piece of information before presenting a contrasting idea. It serves to set up an expectation and then subvert it, adding complexity to the statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "though I know" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to introduce a contrasting element despite acknowledging prior knowledge. As noted by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to express concession, and it is commonly found in various contexts, especially in news and media. While alternatives like "although I am aware" or "even if I'm aware" can provide nuanced variations, the key is to ensure the contrasting clause genuinely follows the acknowledged knowledge. Remember to avoid redundancy by not using it when the knowledge is already implied. Ultimately, mastering its usage will enhance the depth and complexity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

although I am aware

Replaces "though" with "although" and restructures "know" into "am aware" to offer a more formal tone.

although I understand

Substitutes "know" with "understand", keeping the meaning similar but with a slightly different nuance.

even if I'm aware

Changes "though" to "even if" and replaces "know" with "am aware" to emphasize the hypothetical nature of the knowledge.

despite the fact that I know

Adds emphasis by including "the fact that", making the statement more explicit.

while being aware

Uses "while" to introduce a simultaneous action and "being aware" to convey the knowledge component.

despite my knowledge

Uses "despite" to indicate contrast and "knowledge" as a noun, offering a more concise and formal alternative.

in spite of my awareness

Employs "in spite of" to express the contrast more strongly, using "awareness" as a noun.

notwithstanding my understanding

A formal substitute, replacing "though" with "notwithstanding" and "know" with "understanding", indicating awareness but proceeding regardless.

with the knowledge that

Restructures the phrase to highlight the possession of knowledge as a starting point.

even knowing

Shortens the phrase, keeping "even" to emphasize the contrast and using a gerund form of "know".

FAQs

How can I use "though I know" in a sentence?

Use "though I know" to introduce a contrasting idea or action despite being aware of something. For example, "Though I know it's risky, I'm going to invest in the stock market."

What's the difference between "though I know" and "although I know"?

"Though I know" and "although I know" are largely interchangeable. "Although" is often considered slightly more formal, but they both serve to introduce a contrast or concession. For example: "Though I know it might rain, I'm still going for a walk," versus "Although I know it might rain, I'm still going for a walk."

What can I say instead of "though I know"?

You can use alternatives like "even though I know", "despite the fact that I know", or "notwithstanding my understanding" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to use "though I know" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "though I know". It introduces a subordinate clause that sets up a contrast with the main clause. For instance, "Though I know it's difficult, I will try my best."