Grammar: B1 - ✨ Grammar Essentials: 🧩 Parts of Speech & 🏗️ Sentence Structure - Lesson 8: Conjunctions of Contrast (although, though, even though, but - review)

✨ Lesson 8: Conjunctions of Contrast (although, though, even though)

We have learned to use the conjunction 'but' to connect two opposite ideas. Today, we will learn some more advanced words that do a similar job: although, though, and even though.

These words are conjunctions of contrast¹. They introduce a clause² that is surprising or contrasts with the main part of the sentence.

'although', 'though', and 'even though'

These three conjunctions have very similar meanings. 'Even though' is the strongest, and 'though' is the most informal.

The punctuation rule is very important:

• When the sentence starts with 'Although', 'Though', or 'Even though', you MUST use a comma ( , ) after that clause.
• When the conjunction is in the middle of the sentence, no comma is needed.

Example:

• Although it was raining, we visited the temple.
• We visited the temple although it was raining.

• Even though the food was expensive, it was delicious.
• The food was delicious even though it was expensive.

Comparing with 'but'

'But' is a coordinating conjunction and joins two simple sentences. 'Although' is a subordinating conjunction and makes one clause dependent on the other. Look at the difference in structure.

Conjunction	Sentence Structure
but	[Sentence 1] , but [Sentence 2]. The tour was long, but it was interesting.
although	Although [Clause 1] , [Clause 2]. Although the tour was long, it was interesting.

Informal 'though'
In informal speaking, you will often hear 'though' at the end of a sentence to add a contrasting idea.

• The tuk-tuk driver was very friendly. He was a little expensive, though.

🧠 Practice Quiz: Choose the Best Conjunction

Choose the best conjunction to complete the sentences.

1. I enjoyed visiting the museum, ______ it was very crowded.
   → although / but
2. ______ he was very tired, he continued walking.
   → Although / Even though
3. I bought the souvenir ______ I didn't have much money.
   → even though / though
4. He speaks English fluently, ______ he has never travelled outside of Cambodia.
   → but / although

📝 Homework: Rewrite the Sentences

Rewrite the sentences beginning with the word in parentheses ( ). Pay attention to the comma rule.

Example: The hotel was nice, but it was far from the center. (Although) → Although the hotel was nice, it was far from the center.

---

1. He doesn't have a map, but he found the guesthouse easily. (Even though)

→ ________________________________________________.

2. I drank the coffee, but it was very strong. (although)

→ ________________________________________________.

(Answers: 1. Even though he doesn't have a map, he found the guesthouse easily. 2. I drank the coffee although it was very strong.)

Vocabulary Glossary

1. Conjunction of Contrast: (Phrase) - ឈ្នាប់បង្ហាញភាពផ្ទុយគ្នា (chhnŏăp bâng'haanh phĭəp phtŭy khnēa) - A word that connects two opposite or surprising ideas. ↩
2. Clause: (Noun) - ឃ្លា (khlēa) - A group of words containing a subject and a verb, forming part of a sentence. ↩