Although vs But
What’s the difference between them?
Although
Meaning:
despite the fact that; even though.
Examples:
1. Although it was raining, he went outside to play.
2. Although we disagreed on many topics, we were still friends.
3. Although I enjoyed the dish, it was a bit too spicy for my liking.
But
Meaning:
But is a conjunction used to introduce a contrast or exception to a previously made statement.
Examples:
1. 'I wanted to go to the party, but I was too tired.'
2. 'I saw the movie, but I didn't like it very much.'
3. 'I didn't expect to win, but I'm glad I did.'
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Although
1. Notwithstanding
2. Despite
3. All the same
4. Nevertheless
5. In spite of
1. Disregard
2. No matter
3. Refrain
4. Ignore
5. Contrary to
But
1. Yet
2. Nevertheless
3. However
4. Nonetheless
5. On the other hand
1. Yet
2. Instead
3. Moreover
4. On the contrary
5. Nevetheless
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Although", "But".
1. Although is used to introduce a contrast or exception to a previously made statement.
2. But is a conjunction and should be used to connect two related ideas.
3. Make sure when using the word 'although' that you have already established a point that you are contrasting.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
When would you use the word 'although'?
Although should be used to indicate that a fact or situation exists even if it may not be desirable or expected. For example, 'He was late, although he had been warned.'
When is the appropriate context for using the word 'but'?
But should be used to introduce a contrasting statement or exception to a previously made statement. For example, 'She was tired, but she finished the job.'
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words have different pronunciations. Although is pronounced /ɑːlˈðoʊ/, while but is pronounced /bʌt/.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
A common mistake is using although and but interchangeably. Although is typically used to indicate the presence of something despite something else, while but is used to introduce a contrast or exception to a previous statement. Additionally, people may incorrectly use a comma after although and before but. Although a comma may be used to add emphasis, it is not necessary to do so.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. She wanted to go for a walk, _____ it started to rain.
2. Hes really good at basketball, _____ he never plays professionally.
3. I love chocolate, _____ I only eat it occasionally.
4. They were tired, _____ they decided to finish the project that night.
5. Its a cheap ticket, _____ the view from that seat is amazing.
6. I understand the instructions, _____ Im still a bit confused about the first step.
1. She wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.
Explanation: But is used here to show contrast between wanting to go for a walk and the obstacle of rain.
2. Hes really good at basketball, although he never plays professionally.
Explanation: Although introduces a contrasting idea, indicating a situation that might be surprising given the first part of the sentence.
3. I love chocolate, but I only eat it occasionally.
Explanation: But shows contrast between loving chocolate and not eating it often.
4. They were tired, but they decided to finish the project that night.
Explanation: Despite the fatigue (first part), they still decided to finish the project (second part). But indicates this contrast.
5. Its a cheap ticket, although the view from that seat is amazing.
Explanation: Although is used to introduce a positive aspect that might be surprising given the cheap price of the ticket.
6. I understand the instructions, but Im still a bit confused about the first step.
Explanation: But introduces a contrasting idea. Despite understanding the instructions, theres still some confusion.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.