Suitable for upper-intermediate CEFR B2+
#vocabulary #IELTSprep #IELTS
This is a question students often raise in IELTS preparation and other exam classes, and a common mistake that can be found in essay writing more generally. In fact because the words sound very similar in speech, it is a mistake that sometimes even native speakers of English can make.
However, these words have quite different meanings and it is important to learn to use them correctly in your professional or academic writing practice, as not doing so could lose you valuable marks in your English exams or even lead to a personal reputation for inaccuracy or incompetence.
As though is a conjunction used to draw a likeness or similarity to something. It can be used to describe a possible explanation for something or to describe when something appears to be the case but it is not. It can be used interchangeably with the phrase as if and most often appears in the middle of a sentence.
For example:
He looked as though he'd seen a ghost. (likeness, similarity)
It feels as though there is unfinished business. (possible explanation)
People exposed to the virus must be treated as though they are carriers. (something that appears to be the case but might not be)
Although is a conjunction meaning in spite of the fact that or even though. It can be used to make a contrast in the same way as but and however. It often appears at the beginning of a sentence or in the middle of a sentence.
For example:
He travelled alone, although he knew it was dangerous.
Although I've been there before, I can't remember how to get there.
It was rather cold, although the sun was shining brightly.
1. The battle was won, ________ there were many casualties.
2. ________ they are expensive, they last a very long time.
3. She danced _________ no one was watching.
4. I smiled and nodded ________ I understood him.
5. I kept nodding _______ I didn't understand him.
Sources
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/as-though
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/although
#vocabulary #IELTSprep #IELTS
This is a question students often raise in IELTS preparation and other exam classes, and a common mistake that can be found in essay writing more generally. In fact because the words sound very similar in speech, it is a mistake that sometimes even native speakers of English can make.
However, these words have quite different meanings and it is important to learn to use them correctly in your professional or academic writing practice, as not doing so could lose you valuable marks in your English exams or even lead to a personal reputation for inaccuracy or incompetence.
So what exactly is the difference between as though and although?
As though is a conjunction used to draw a likeness or similarity to something. It can be used to describe a possible explanation for something or to describe when something appears to be the case but it is not. It can be used interchangeably with the phrase as if and most often appears in the middle of a sentence.
For example:
He looked as though he'd seen a ghost. (likeness, similarity)
It feels as though there is unfinished business. (possible explanation)
People exposed to the virus must be treated as though they are carriers. (something that appears to be the case but might not be)
Although is a conjunction meaning in spite of the fact that or even though. It can be used to make a contrast in the same way as but and however. It often appears at the beginning of a sentence or in the middle of a sentence.
For example:
He travelled alone, although he knew it was dangerous.
Although I've been there before, I can't remember how to get there.
It was rather cold, although the sun was shining brightly.
Now it's your turn
Choose as though or although in the following sentences and post your answers in the comments below.1. The battle was won, ________ there were many casualties.
2. ________ they are expensive, they last a very long time.
3. She danced _________ no one was watching.
4. I smiled and nodded ________ I understood him.
5. I kept nodding _______ I didn't understand him.
Sources
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/as-though
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/although
