Although vs. But — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 13, 2024
"Although" introduces a contrast within a sentence, highlighting exceptions or contradictions; "but" directly opposes two statements in clearer, more distinct terms.
Difference Between Although and But
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Key Differences
"Although" is used to introduce a subordinate clause that presents information contrasting with the main clause, suggesting a nuanced relationship. On the other hand, "but" is used to introduce a coordinate clause that provides a direct opposition or contradiction to the preceding statement.
"Although" often implies a concession, where the information in the although-clause does not negate the truth of the main clause. Whereas, "but" strongly separates two ideas, indicating that the second part significantly modifies or rejects the first part.
Sentences beginning with "although" tend to have a more formal tone and can be more complex, as they typically require a complete sentence following the clause. Conversely, "but" is used in both formal and informal contexts, usually connecting two simpler, related thoughts.
"Although" can sometimes be replaced by "though" or "even though," each varying slightly in emphasis and formality. But "but" is more straightforward and has fewer synonyms that match its simplicity and directness, such as "yet" or "however".
In writing, "although" clauses can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of sentences, providing flexibility in sentence structure. But "but" usually appears between the contrasting statements it connects, typically in the middle of sentences.
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Comparison Chart
Function
Introduces a subordinate contrasting clause
Introduces a coordinate contrasting clause
Tone
Formal, complex
Both formal and informal, straightforward
Position in Sentence
Can be at the beginning, middle, or end
Usually in the middle
Synonyms
Though, even though
Yet, however
Example
"Although it rained, the picnic was enjoyable."
"It rained, but the picnic was enjoyable."
Compare with Definitions
Although
Used to express a contradiction subtly.
Although he promised to call, he never did.
But
Conjunction used to introduce something contrasting with the previous statement.
He is old but active.
Although
Contrasting conjunction used to introduce a clause that does not negate the main clause.
Although it was cold, we went hiking.
But
Simple and direct opposition.
She could go anywhere but here.
Although
Introduces a concessive clause.
Although tired, she completed her work.
But
On the contrary
The plan caused not prosperity but ruin.
Although
Appears in formal and literary contexts.
Although the task was difficult, it was not impossible.
But
Contrary to expectation; yet
She organized her work but accomplished very little. He is tired but happy.
Although
In spite of the fact that; even though
Although the sun was shining it wasn't that warm
Although small, the room has a spacious feel
But
Usage Problem Used to indicate an exception
No one but she saw the prowler.
Although
Regardless of the fact that; even though
Although the room is big, it won't hold all that furniture.
But
With the exception that; except that. Often used with that
Would have joined the band but he couldn't spare the time.
Would have resisted but that they lacked courage.
Although
But; however
He says he has a dog, although I've never seen it.
But
(Informal) Without the result that
It never rains but it pours.
Although
Though, even though, in spite of or despite the fact that: introducing a clause that expresses a concession.
Although it was very muddy, the football game went on.
The patients, (al)though getting stronger, will not come off their medications.
But
(Informal) That. Often used after a negative
There is no doubt but right will prevail.
Although
But, except.
It was difficult, although not as difficult as we had expected.
But
That ... not. Used after a negative or question
There never is a tax law presented but someone will oppose it.
Although
Grant all this; be it that; supposing that; notwithstanding; though.
Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.
But
(Informal) Than
They had no sooner arrived but they turned around and left.
Although
Despite the fact that;
Even though she knew the answer, she did not respond
But
Usage Problem Except.
Although
Shows unexpected outcomes.
Although known for his rudeness, he was polite today.
But
Merely; just; only
Hopes that lasted but a moment.
But
Used as an intensive
Get out of here but fast!.
But
A concern or objection
My offer is final, no ifs, ands, or buts.
But
Apart from, except (for), excluding.
Everyone but Father left early.
I like everything but that.
Nobody answered the door when I knocked, so I had no choice but to leave.
But
Outside of.
Away but the hoose and tell me whae's there.
But
Merely, only, just, no more than
Christmas comes but once a year.
But
Though, however.
I'll have to go home early but.
But
, although, nevertheless, on the other hand introducing a clause contrary to prior belief or in contrast with the preceding clause or sentence.
She is very old but still attractive.
You told me I could do that, but she said that I could not.
But
, rather adversative conjunction, introducing a word or clause in contrast or contradiction with the preceding negative clause or sentence}}.
I am not rich but [I am] poor.
Not John but Peter went there.
But
(colloquial) Used at the beginning of a sentence to express opposition to a remark.
But I never said you could do that!
But
Except that (introducing a subordinate clause which qualifies a negative statement); also, with omission of the subject of the subordinate clause, acting as a negative relative, "except one that", "except such that".
I cannot but feel offended.
But
(colloquial) Used to link an interjection to the following remark as an intensifier.
Wow! But that's amazing!
But
(archaic) Without it also being the case that; unless that (introducing a necessary concomitant).
It never rains but it pours.
But
(obsolete) Except with; unless with; without.
But
(obsolete) Only; solely; merely.
But
(obsolete) Until.
But
That.
But
An instance or example of using the word "but".
It has to be done – no ifs or buts.
But
(Scotland) The outer room of a small two-room cottage.
But
A limit; a boundary.
But
The end; especially the larger or thicker end, or the blunt, in distinction from the sharp, end; the butt.
But
(archaic) Use the word "but".
But me no buts.
But
Except with; unless with; without.
So insolent that he could not go but either spurning equals or trampling on his inferiors.
Touch not the cat but a glove.
But
Except; besides; save.
Who can it be, ye gods! but perjured Lycon?
But
Excepting or excluding the fact that; save that; were it not that; unless; - elliptical, for but that.
And but my noble Moor is true of mind . . . it were enough to put him to ill thinking.
But
Otherwise than that; that not; - commonly, after a negative, with that.
It cannot be but nature hath some director, of infinite power, to guide her in all her ways.
There is no question but the king of Spain will reform most of the abuses.
But
Only; solely; merely.
Observe but how their own principles combat one another.
If they kill us, we shall but die.
A formidable man but to his friends.
But
On the contrary; on the other hand; only; yet; still; however; nevertheless; more; further; - as connective of sentences or clauses of a sentence, in a sense more or less exceptive or adversative; as, the House of Representatives passed the bill, but the Senate dissented; our wants are many, but quite of another kind.
Now abideth faith hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
When pride cometh, then cometh shame; but with the lowly is wisdom.
But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; . . . the lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him.
But this I read, that but if remedyThou her afford, full shortly I her dead shall see.
But
The outer apartment or kitchen of a two-roomed house; - opposed to ben, the inner room.
But
A limit; a boundary.
But
The end; esp. the larger or thicker end, or the blunt, in distinction from the sharp, end. Now disused in this sense, being replaced by butt{2}. See 1st Butt.
But
And nothing more;
I was merely asking
It is simply a matter of time
Just a scratch
He was only a child
Hopes that last but a moment
But
Used to indicate the impossibility of anything else.
It’s nothing but the best.
But
Connects two contrasting ideas directly.
She likes tea, but he prefers coffee.
But
Often appears in informal contexts.
They were scared but excited.
Common Curiosities
Can "but" begin a sentence?
Yes, but typically it is more stylistically acceptable in informal writing.
What is the main function of "although"?
Although introduces a concessive clause that shows contrast without negating the main statement.
How does "but" affect sentence tone?
"But" often introduces a break or a strong contrast, which can change the tone from neutral to more oppositional.
Can "although" be used in informal conversations?
Yes, though it is less common as it creates a more complex sentence structure.
Can "although" and "but" be used interchangeably?
No, "although" sets up a subordinate clause with less direct contrast, while "but" provides a clearer and more direct opposition.
Is "although" more formal than "but"?
Yes, "although" tends to appear in more formal or complex sentence structures.
Where can "but" not replace "although"?
"But" cannot replace "although" when the contrast is not strong enough to warrant direct opposition.
What type of clause follows "although"?
A subordinate clause that contrasts with the main clause follows "although."
What are the synonyms for "although"?
Synonyms for "although" include "though" and "even though."
What is the difference in complexity between sentences using "although" and "but"?
Sentences with "although" are generally more complex, involving subtler contrasts.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
