though of course

USAGE SUMMARY

"though of course" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use this phrase to introduce a contrasting idea or to express that you are expecting something despite the obvious potential of a different outcome. For example: "He's had a hard life, though of course he still managed to be successful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Though, of course, who knows?

The New York Times - Arts

"Though," of course, not "through".

The New York Times

Though, of course, Palm has tried.

The New York Times

Though, of course, I'm often wrong.

The New Yorker

Though, of course, it wasn't.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Though, of course, not everyone agreed.

The New York Times

"Though, of course, it's not so".

The New Yorker

Though, of course, isn't she always?

The New York Times

That, though, of course, is another sad story.

The Guardian - Opinion

Though, of course, that's just, like, my opinion, man.

The Guardian - Film

Though, of course, it's not as simple as that.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "though of course" to gently introduce a contrasting or qualifying statement. It softens the contradiction, making your argument more nuanced and less confrontational.

Common error

While useful, overuse can make your writing sound hesitant or overly cautious. Vary your sentence structure with other conjunctions and transitional phrases to maintain a confident tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "though of course" functions as a discourse marker or adverbial phrase, connecting two related but contrasting ideas. As the Ludwig AI explains, it introduces a contrasting idea, indicating awareness of a potential objection or alternative viewpoint.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "though of course" serves as a valuable tool for introducing a contrasting point in a subtle manner. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and functions primarily as an adverbial phrase. Occurring most frequently in News & Media, this construction allows writers and speakers to acknowledge an alternative perspective while maintaining their initial assertion. Use it to soften contradictions and add nuance to your writing, but beware of overuse. Consider alternatives like "however" or "nevertheless" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even so

Highlights the contrast more directly; implies that despite what was said, the main point still stands.

nevertheless

Similar to 'even so' but more formal; suitable for academic or professional contexts.

nonetheless

Another formal alternative; emphasizes that the following statement is true despite the previous one.

all the same

Indicates that despite a concession, the outcome or feeling remains unchanged.

be that as it may

A more emphatic and somewhat archaic way of acknowledging a point before continuing.

despite that

Directly contrasts the previous statement, indicating the main point still holds.

in spite of that

Similar to 'despite that', emphasizing the persistence of the main point.

however

A simpler and more direct way of introducing a contrasting point.

yet

Indicates a contrast or something unexpected given the previous statement.

that being said

Acknowledges the previous point before introducing a contrasting or qualifying statement.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "though of course" in a sentence?

Use "though of course" to introduce a point that qualifies or contrasts with a previous statement, implying the contrasting point is somewhat expected or understood. For example, "He's had a hard life, "though of course" he still managed to be successful."

What are some alternatives to "though of course" that I can use in my writing?

Consider alternatives like "even so", "nevertheless", or "however" to introduce a contrasting point. The best choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "though of course"?

While grammatically permissible, starting a sentence with "though of course" can sound informal. It is generally better to integrate it within the sentence to maintain a smoother flow. You can use "however" at the beginning of sentences.

What's the difference between "though of course" and "although"?

"Though of course" is more conversational and often implies the contrasting point is already somewhat known or expected. "Although" is a more direct and formal way to introduce a contrasting clause.