Though vs. However: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Though" is a conjunction used to introduce a contrasting part of a sentence, while "however" is an adverb used to contrast separate sentences or clauses.
Key Differences
"Though" is often used to introduce a subordinate clause, indicating a contrast or exception to the main clause. "However," used as a transitional adverb, connects two independent clauses, signaling a contrast or turn in the argument.
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Dec 01, 2023
"Though" can be used at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence for subtle contrast. "However" typically begins a sentence or follows a semicolon, introducing a stronger contrast.
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Dec 01, 2023
"Though" is more informal and is commonly used in everyday speech and writing. "However" is formal and frequently appears in academic and professional writing to denote a clear shift in thought.
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Dec 01, 2023
The tone conveyed by "though" is often softer and more conversational. In contrast, "however" delivers a more emphatic and formal tone, suitable for structured arguments.
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Dec 01, 2023
"Though" seamlessly integrates into the sentence structure, maintaining the flow. "However," with its need for a comma or semicolon, creates a deliberate pause, emphasizing the contrast.
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Dec 01, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Placement in Sentence
Beginning, middle, or end
Beginning of a clause or after a semicolon
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Sentence Structure
Integrates into the flow of the sentence
Creates a pause, stands apart from the sentence
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Though and However Definitions
Though
Used to express an afterthought or a secondary point.
He's quite friendly, though a bit shy.
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However
Expressing a more formal or emphatic contrast.
The project was challenging. However, the team completed it on time.
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Dec 01, 2023
However
Adverb used to introduce a statement that contrasts with what has just been said.
I wanted to go to the beach; however, it started to rain.
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Though
Conjunction indicating contrast with the main clause.
It was raining, though we decided to go out.
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However
Used to begin a sentence or clause that contrasts with a previous one.
She practiced daily. However, she did not win the competition.
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Though
To indicate a concession in an argument or discussion.
Though I disagree, I understand your point.
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However
Introduces a surprising or unexpected point.
The evidence seemed clear. However, new facts emerged.
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Though
Despite the fact that; although
He still argues, though he knows he's wrong. Even though it was raining, she walked to work.
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Oct 19, 2023
However
In spite of that; nevertheless; yet
The book is expensive.
However, it's worth it.
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Oct 19, 2023
Though
Conceding or supposing that; even if
Though they may not succeed, they will still try. See Usage Note at although.
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Oct 19, 2023
However
On the other hand; by contrast
The first part was easy.
The second, however, took hours.
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Oct 19, 2023
Though
However; nevertheless
Snow is not predicted.
We can expect some rain, though.
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Oct 19, 2023
However
To whatever degree or extent
"The prospect of success, however remote, was tantalizing" (Stephen Baker).
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Oct 19, 2023
However
In what way. Used as an intensive of how
However did you get here so soon?.
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Oct 19, 2023
Though
(conjunctive) Despite that; however.
I'm not paid to do all this paperwork for you. I will do it this once, though.
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Oct 19, 2023
Though
(degree) Used to intensify statements or questions; indeed.
"Man, it's hot in here." — "Isn't it, though?"
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However
(Archaic) Notwithstanding that; although
"Howe'er thou art a fiend, / a woman's shape doth shield thee" (Shakespeare).
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Oct 19, 2023
Though
Despite the fact that; although.
Though it is risky, it is worth taking the chance.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Though
(archaic) If, that, even if.
We shall be not sorry though the man die tonight.
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However
(conjunctive) In contrast.
The conference itself went very well. The party afterwards, however, was a disaster.
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Oct 19, 2023
Though
Granting, admitting, or supposing that; notwithstanding that; if.
Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.
Not that I so affirm, though so it seem.
In the vine were three branches; and it was as though it budded.
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Oct 19, 2023
However
(degree) To whatever degree or extent.
However clear you think you've been, many questions will remain.
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Oct 19, 2023
Though
However; nevertheless; notwithstanding; - used in familiar language, and in the middle or at the end of a sentence.
I would not be as sick though for his place.
A good cause would do well, though.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Though
Despite the fact that;
Even though she knew the answer, she did not respond
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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?
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Oct 19, 2023
Though
Introducing a contrasting idea that diminishes the main point.
Though tired, she continued working.
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Dec 01, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
However
In any way in which.
She offered to help however she could.
Wear your hair however you want.
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Oct 19, 2023
However
In whetever manner, way, or degree.
However yet they me despise and spite.
Howe'er the business goes, you have made fault.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
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
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Oct 19, 2023
However
By contrast; on the other hand;
The first part was easy; the second, however, took hours
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Oct 19, 2023
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
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Oct 19, 2023
However
In whatever way or manner;
Victory, however it was brought about, was sweet
However he did it, it was very clever
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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?
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Oct 19, 2023
However
Indicates a transition to a different or opposite point.
He is normally very punctual. However, today he was late.
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Dec 01, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is "though" formal or informal?
"Though" is more informal and conversational.
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Dec 01, 2023
Can "though" link two independent clauses?
Not typically; it's used with a subordinate clause.
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Dec 01, 2023
Can "though" and "however" be used interchangeably?
Not always, as they have different roles and tones in a sentence.
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Dec 01, 2023
Can "though" start a sentence?
Yes, but it's more common in the middle or end.
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Dec 01, 2023
Can "however" start a sentence?
Yes, "however" often starts a sentence or follows a semicolon.
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Dec 01, 2023
Can "however" be used in the middle of a sentence?
Yes, but it's more common at the beginning or after a semicolon.
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Dec 01, 2023
Is "though" used in academic writing?
Yes, but sparingly and in less formal contexts.
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Dec 01, 2023
Does "however" require a comma?
Yes, when starting a clause, "however" is followed by a comma.
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Dec 01, 2023
Is "however" used in legal documents?
Yes, it's often used in formal and legal writing.
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Dec 01, 2023
Can "though" conclude a sentence?
Yes, "though" can be used at the end of a sentence for emphasis.
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Dec 01, 2023
How does "however" affect the tone of a sentence?
It adds formality and emphasis to the contrast.
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Dec 01, 2023
Is "however" suitable for everyday conversation?
Yes, but it's more formal and might sound less conversational.
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Dec 01, 2023
Is "though" appropriate in formal reports?
It can be, but "however" is often preferred for formality.
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Dec 01, 2023
Does "though" need a comma?
It depends on its position and usage in the sentence.
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Dec 01, 2023
Does "though" always indicate contrast?
Generally, yes, it introduces a contrasting idea or exception.
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Dec 01, 2023
Is "however" ever used informally?
Less frequently, as it tends to be formal.
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Dec 01, 2023
How does "however" connect ideas?
It links contrasting ideas or statements in separate clauses.
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Dec 01, 2023
Can "though" soften a statement?
Yes, it's often used to soften or qualify a statement.
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Dec 01, 2023
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Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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