Although vs. However

Attribute	Although	However
Usage	Introduces a contrasting idea or condition	Introduces a contrasting idea or condition
Position	Can be used at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence	Can be used at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence
Function	Shows a contrast between two ideas or clauses	Shows a contrast between two ideas or clauses
Similarity	Similar to "though", "even though", "despite", "in spite of"	Similar to "however", "nevertheless", "nonetheless"
Conjunction Type	Subordinating conjunction	Conjunctive adverb
Comma Usage	Usually followed by a comma when used at the beginning of a sentence	Usually preceded by a semicolon or comma when used in the middle of a sentence

Introduction

When it comes to expressing contrast or introducing a contradictory statement, two commonly used words in the English language are "although" and "however." While both words serve similar purposes, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the nuances of these words, their usage, and the impact they have on sentence structure and meaning.

Definition and Usage

Although and however are both conjunctions, but they are used in different ways. "Although" is primarily used to introduce a subordinate clause that presents a contrasting idea to the main clause. It indicates that the information in the subordinate clause does not diminish the truth of the main clause. For example:

• Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.
• Although she studied hard, she didn't pass the exam.

On the other hand, "however" is an adverb that is used to introduce a contrasting statement or idea within the same sentence. It is often placed at the beginning of a sentence or between two clauses. Unlike "although," "however" can be used to indicate a contradiction or a shift in thought. Consider the following examples:

• We wanted to go for a walk.However, it was raining heavily.
• She studied hard.However, she didn't pass the exam.

Position in a Sentence

One of the key differences between "although" and "however" lies in their position within a sentence. "Although" is typically used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence, introducing a subordinate clause. It is followed by a comma when it appears at the beginning of a sentence. For example:

• Although it was cold outside, they decided to go swimming.
• They decided to go swimming,although it was cold outside.

On the contrary, "however" is often placed at the beginning of a sentence to indicate a shift in thought or contrast. It is usually followed by a comma. For instance:

• However, it was cold outside, they decided to go swimming.
• However, they decided to go swimming despite the cold weather.

Connotation and Tone

Another aspect to consider when comparing "although" and "however" is the connotation and tone they bring to a sentence. "Although" is generally used to present a contrast or contradiction in a neutral or objective manner. It does not imply any judgment or evaluation. On the other hand, "however" often introduces a more significant contrast or contradiction, which can create a stronger sense of surprise or emphasis. It can also imply a shift in thought or a change in the expected outcome.

For example, consider the following sentences:

• Although she was tired, she continued working.
• However, she was tired, she continued working.

In the first sentence, "although" simply presents the contrast between being tired and continuing to work. In the second sentence, "however" adds a stronger sense of surprise or unexpectedness to the fact that she continued working despite being tired.

Impact on Sentence Structure

The usage of "although" and "however" can also have an impact on the structure of a sentence. When "although" is used, it introduces a subordinate clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. The main clause is necessary to provide the complete meaning. For example:

• Although it was late, they decided to go out for dinner.
• They decided to go out for dinner,although it was late.

In these examples, the subordinate clause "although it was late" cannot function as a complete sentence on its own. It relies on the main clause to complete the thought.

On the other hand, "however" does not introduce a subordinate clause but rather acts as an adverb within the sentence. It can be used to connect two independent clauses, allowing each clause to stand alone as a complete sentence. For instance:

• She wanted to go out for dinner.However, she was too tired.
• She was too tired.However, she wanted to go out for dinner.

In these examples, both clauses can function independently as complete sentences, and "however" serves to connect them while indicating a contrast or contradiction.

Conclusion

In conclusion, although and however are both useful words for expressing contrast or introducing contradictory statements. "Although" is primarily used to introduce a subordinate clause that presents a contrasting idea to the main clause, while "however" is an adverb that introduces a contrasting statement or idea within the same sentence. Their position within a sentence, connotation, and impact on sentence structure are important factors to consider when choosing between the two. By understanding their attributes and nuances, writers can effectively convey contrast and contradiction in their writing.