although

The conjunction although is used to refer to something that happens, is done or made in spite of something. As the following examples illustrate, it is used in a concessive clause that can take different positions in the sentence:

• Although the sun was shining, it wasn't that warm.
• We can agree to shortening this part of our presentation, although it contains vital information.
• They kept on returning to Africa, but although they keenly wished to live there permanently, they knew that this would be impossible.
• Although the action of walking is automated, it is still controlled by the brain through the spinal cord.

A synonym for although in these sentences would be even though.
 
In addition to its use in concessive clauses, although can also be used to replace the conjunction but: 

• He claims that he supervised all the experiments himself, although I’ve never seen him in the lab.
• The moon is largely responsible for our tides, although the sun also plays a small part.

NB: Take care not to confuse although with also (meaning as well) – this is a common mistake among learners of English.


In informal contexts, the form although can be replaced by though, a form that is not acceptable in academic writing.

NB: Some uses of though are not interchangeable with although. This concerns
- adverbial uses:

• I cannot take up the offer. It was nice of her to think of me, though.

- and phrases where it is used with "as" or "even":

• Tom does not look as though he is interested in this topic.

Another adverb that has a similar meaning is despite. The difference here is the change in syntax that will be required if the words are exchanged, because despite is followed by a noun or a gerund: 

• Although the sun was shining, it wasn't that warm.
• Despite the sunshine, it wasn't that warm.

In spite of is a synonym of despite – but make sure that you always use the right combination: there is no "despite of the sunshine" or "in spite the sunshine".