Although vs However

This lesson explains the difference between although and however. Check the grammar chart, then read the explanation and examples below.

Test-English grammar chart on the difference between 'although' and 'however' with rules and examples

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Although and however both show contrast, but they are used in different ways.

We use although to connect clauses in one sentence.
We usually use however to introduce a contrasting idea in a new sentence.

The punctuation is different, so it’s important to use each word correctly.

Although

We use although to connect two contrasting ideas in the same sentence.

Although is always followed by a subject + verb.

We cannot use although to connect two separate sentences.

Although can be used in two positions:

1️⃣ At the beginning of a sentence

Although he is overweight, he is healthy.

2️⃣ In the middle of a sentence

Tom is healthy, although he is overweight.

However

We use however to introduce a contrasting idea in a new sentence.

Unlike although, however is usually followed by a comma.

However can be used in different positions:

1️⃣ At the beginning of a sentence

I love painting. However, I rarely have time for it.

2️⃣ After a semicolon to link two sentences

I had intended to go to the party; however, I had to work late.

Main difference

💡 Remember:

We use although to show contrast in one sentence. It is followed by a subject + verb.
We use however to connect two sentences with contrasting ideas. It is usually followed by a comma and normally comes after a full stop or a semicolon.

Compare these sentences:

Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
It was raining. However, we went for a walk.

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Explanation

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