Although vs. However — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 25, 2023
Although is a conjunction introducing a contrasting clause, while However is an adverb introducing a contrast or exception.
Difference Between Although and However
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Key Differences
Although and However are both used to introduce contrasting ideas, but their roles in a sentence differ. Although is a conjunction, and it specifically begins a dependent clause, expressing a contrast within the framework of that clause. However, on the other hand, functions as an adverb and usually starts a new sentence or comes after a semicolon, signaling a shift or contrast to the previous statement.
While "Although" sets up an expectation and then contrasts it, "However" often interrupts a train of thought, injecting a contrasting idea. For instance, "Although it rained, we still had our picnic," versus "It rained; however, we still had our picnic." In the first example, the contrast is framed as a single thought, while in the second, two distinct ideas are presented with "However" marking the shift between them.
It's crucial to recognize the grammatical differences between the two. Although will always be followed by a subject and a verb because it's introducing a dependent clause. However, isn't tied to such a structure and is more flexible in its placement within a sentence.
In essence, both Although and However are essential tools for illustrating contrast in English. While they sometimes can be used interchangeably with slight rephrasing, their distinct grammatical roles and nuances in meaning make each unique in its own right.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Conjunction
Adverb
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Function
Introduces a contrasting dependent clause.
Introduces a contrast or exception.
Position
Begins a dependent clause.
Begins a new sentence or after a semicolon
Example
Although she tried, she couldn't succeed.
She tried; however, she couldn't succeed.
Clause Type
Used with dependent clauses.
Used to contrast independent clauses.
Compare with Definitions
Although
Even if.
Although tired, he continued working.
However
Yet.
She was early, however, the door was locked.
Although
Despite the fact that.
She went out, although it was raining.
However
In whatever way.
However you choose to proceed is fine.
Although
Regardless of whether.
I'll go to the store although I don't need anything.
However
On the other hand.
The book is expensive; however, it's worth it.
Although
Even though.
Although small, the room is cozy.
However
Nevertheless.
He was tired; however, he didn't go to bed.
Although
Used to convey a contrasting thought.
Although he's wealthy, he's not happy.
However
To whatever extent.
You can adjust the seat however you like.
Although
In spite of the fact that; even though
Although the sun was shining it wasn't that warm
Although small, the room has a spacious feel
However
In spite of that; nevertheless; yet
The book is expensive.
However, it's worth it.
Although
Regardless of the fact that; even though
Although the room is big, it won't hold all that furniture.
However
On the other hand; by contrast
The first part was easy.
The second, however, took hours.
Although
But; however
He says he has a dog, although I've never seen it.
However
To whatever degree or extent
"The prospect of success, however remote, was tantalizing" (Stephen Baker).
Although
Though, even though, in spite of or despite the fact that: introducing a clause that expresses a concession.
Although it was very muddy, the football game went on.
The patients, (al)though getting stronger, will not come off their medications.
However
In what way. Used as an intensive of how
However did you get here so soon?.
Although
But, except.
It was difficult, although not as difficult as we had expected.
However
In whatever manner or way that
Dress however you like.
Although
Grant all this; be it that; supposing that; notwithstanding; though.
Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.
However
(Archaic) Notwithstanding that; although
"Howe'er thou art a fiend, / a woman's shape doth shield thee" (Shakespeare).
Although
Despite the fact that;
Even though she knew the answer, she did not respond
However
(conjunctive) Nevertheless; yet, still; in spite of that.
He told me not to do it. However, I did it anyway. / I did it anyway, however. / I, however, did it anyway.
She wanted to go; however, she decided against it.
I didn't argue with him; I still think, however, that he is wrong.
However
(conjunctive) In contrast.
The conference itself went very well. The party afterwards, however, was a disaster.
However
(degree) To whatever degree or extent.
However clear you think you've been, many questions will remain.
However
In any way that one likes or chooses; in a haphazard or spontaneous way.
I don't care; just do it however.
Nothing was really planned; things just happened however.
However
(interrogative) How ever: an emphatic form of how, used to ask in what manner.
I thought it was impossible. However were you able to do it?
However
(obsolete) In any case, at any rate, at all events.
However
Regardless of the way in which.
Let me know when you've had your interview, however it goes.
However we do this, it isn't going to work.
However
In any way in which.
She offered to help however she could.
Wear your hair however you want.
However
(proscribed) But, yet, though, although.
However
In whetever manner, way, or degree.
However yet they me despise and spite.
Howe'er the business goes, you have made fault.
However
At all events; at least; in any case.
Our chief end is to be freed from all, if it may be, however from the greatest evils.
However
Nevertheless; notwithstanding; yet; still; though; as, I shall not oppose your design; I can not, however, approve of it.
In your excuse your love does little say;You might howe'er have took a better way.
However
Despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession);
Although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try it
While we disliked each other, nevertheless we agreed
He was a stern yet fair master
Granted that it is dangerous, all the same I still want to go
However
By contrast; on the other hand;
The first part was easy; the second, however, took hours
However
To whatever degree or extent;
The results, however general, are important
They have begun, however reluctantly, to acknowledge the legitimacy of some of the opposition's concerns
However
In whatever way or manner;
Victory, however it was brought about, was sweet
However he did it, it was very clever
However
In what way or manner or by what means (`however' is sometimes used as an intensive form of `how');
How did you catch the snake?
He told us how he did it
However did you get here so soon?
Common Curiosities
Can Although start a sentence?
Yes, it can introduce a contrasting dependent clause.
Where do we typically place However in a sentence?
At the beginning of a new sentence or after a semicolon.
Are Although and However interchangeable?
While both indicate contrast, their grammatical use differs.
Is Although always followed by a contrasting idea?
Yes, it introduces a contrast within the dependent clause.
Is Although always used with a subject and verb following?
Yes, because it introduces a dependent clause.
What part of speech is Although?
It is a conjunction.
Can we use However in the middle of a sentence?
Yes, but it's commonly set off by commas in such cases.
Do Although and However both express contrast?
Yes, but they do so in different grammatical structures.
Can However be used to mean "in whatever way"?
Yes, like in "however you like it."
Is However a conjunction like Although?
No, However is an adverb.
When is it best to use Although?
When you want to introduce a contrasting thought within a single sentence.
Can However start its own sentence?
Yes, it often does when indicating contrast.
Can you end a sentence with Although?
It's not standard; it leaves the sentence feeling incomplete.
What follows after However in a sentence?
A contrasting statement or independent clause.
Can However be used to introduce exceptions?
Yes, it can highlight exceptions or contrasts.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
