though that

USAGE SUMMARY

"though that" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
You can use it to form a contrast between two things. For example: "I had hoped that he would be there, though that turned out not to be the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By the 1980s, though, that had changed.

The New York Times - Health

Now, though, that could change.

The New York Times

Soon, though, that might change.

The Guardian - Sport

So far, though, that hasn't happened.

BBC

On Wednesday, though, that changed.

The New York Times

In practice, though, that was difficult.

The New Yorker

Now, though, that consensus is shifting.

The Economist

Now, though, that pattern has changed.

The New York Times - Sports

In practice, though, that is hard.

The Economist

Would, though, that it were that simple.

The Economist

Ultimately, though, that may not make sense.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "though that" to introduce a contrast or concession, ensuring it logically connects to the preceding statement. For example, 'The task was difficult, though that didn't deter them from trying.'

Common error

Avoid using "though that" interchangeably with "although" in all contexts. "Although" typically introduces a subordinate clause, whereas "though that" functions best to add a contrasting thought after a complete idea is already expressed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "though that" primarily functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, introducing a contrast, concession, or qualification to a preceding statement. As Ludwig AI states, it helps to form a contrast between two things. This is evident in examples where it connects a statement with an opposing or mitigating factor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "though that" functions as a conjunctive phrase used to introduce a contrasting or qualifying statement. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a valid phrase for forming contrasts. It appears most frequently in neutral contexts, particularly in news and media, and is generally considered grammatically correct. While alternatives like "even so" or "despite that" exist, "though that" provides a straightforward means of adding nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however

A simple and direct way to introduce a contrasting point.

despite that

Highlights that something occurs or is true in spite of an obstacle or contrasting factor.

nonetheless

A stronger way to indicate that something proceeds regardless of what came before.

yet

Similar to "but", it indicates a contrast or something unexpected given what preceded it.

even so

Offers a more concise way to express contrast, focusing on the unexpected nature of the statement given the previous information.

still

Implies a degree of surprise or persistence, indicating something remains true or happens despite expectations.

all the same

Emphasizes that despite a preceding statement, the following point remains valid or unchanged.

but even so

Combines "but" for contrast with "even so" for emphasis on the unexpected continuation.

be that as it may

A more formal way to acknowledge a preceding point before introducing a contrasting one.

even then

Suggests a condition or time-related aspect to the contrast, indicating something persists even under those circumstances.

FAQs

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

"Though that" is typically used to introduce a contrasting or qualifying statement. For example, "The movie was long, "though that" didn't make it any less enjoyable."

What are some alternatives to using "though that"?

Alternatives include "even so", "all the same", or "despite that", depending on the context. These phrases can provide similar contrasting effects with slightly different nuances.

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

While grammatically acceptable, starting a sentence directly with "though that" might sound less formal. It's generally smoother to connect it to a preceding clause or idea. You can consider rephrasing with "although" or restructuring the sentence.

What is the difference between "though" and "though that"?

"Though" can function as a conjunction or an adverb, while "though that" is typically used as a phrase to introduce a contrasting thought. "Though" often introduces a clause, whereas "though that" adds a qualifying statement to something already mentioned. For example: "It rained, "though" we still had fun" vs. "It rained, "though that" didn't stop us from having fun."