Although is a marvelous word that – alas – even professional writers sometimes use incorrectly. Train your writing radar to keep a mental lookout for although, and follow these simple rules:
1. Never put a comma after although.
Beware of writing something like this:
I decided to accept the job offer. Although, I had some doubts about the company’s stability. INCORRECT
Here’s the correct version:
I decided to accept the job offer although I had some doubts about the company’s stability. CORRECT
You could also write it this way:
I decided to accept the job offer. However, I had some doubts about the company’s stability. CORRECT
2. Always attach an although idea to a complete sentence. Anything that starts with although is an extra idea. It can’t stand alone: You have to attach it to a complete sentence. (Think of a garage – nice to have, but you need a house to go with it.)
Although I had some doubts about the company’s stability. I decided to accept the job offer. INCORRECT
Although I had some doubts about the company’s stability, I decided to accept the job offer. CORRECT
3. Yes, you can start a sentence with although! If you start a sentence with an although idea, end the idea with a comma, and follow it with a real sentence.
Suppose you wrote “Although the hurricane was headed our way.” This is an extra idea that can’t end with a period. What to do?
Your first choice is to end it with a comma and add a real sentence. (Think garage + house, as I mentioned earlier.) Here’s what you might have when you’re finished:
Although the hurricane was headed our way last night, early this morning it turned north and missed Florida completely. CORRECT
Another choice would be to put your extra idea at the back of a real sentence. In that case you wouldn’t use a comma. Here’s the result:
Early this morning the hurricane turned north and missed Florida completely although it was headed our way last night. CORRECT
4. Sometimes you can fix an although mistake just by substituting however. Nothing fancy is required: Just use a period and a capital letter.
Here’s a sentence that needs fixing (never put a comma after although, and never leave an although idea hanging out there by itself).
Gloria has been madly in love with Chuck ever since he showed up in her algebra class. Although, he’s not interested in her at all. INCORRECT
Substitute however, and you’re done! Take a look:
Gloria has been madly in love with Chuck ever since he showed up in her algebra class. However, he’s not interested in her at all. CORRECT
And that’s all there is to it! Those four simple rules will help you use although with confidence – an important skill for any serious writer.
Jean Reynolds, Ph.D., is a longtime English professor and Shaw scholar who has published eleven books. Her most recent book is What Your English Teacher Didn’t Tell You: Everything You Need to Know about Showcasing Yourself through Your Writing (Maple Leaf Press).
Cultures around the world are different however, there are many similarities as well.
Is this sentence written correctly? Some of my peers say “yes”, some say “no”.
The sentence is incorrect. You can’t join two sentences with a comma unless you use a FANBOYS word (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). Here are two ways to correct it:
Cultures around the world are different. However, there are many similarities as well.
Cultures around the world are different; however, there are many similarities as well.
Can i start an essay with although? Example: Although you said to explore other colleges, university of Michigan in Dearborn has a lot to offer.
You certainly can. The only words that don’t work well at the beginning of a sentence are “like” and “which” (unless you’re asking a question).
“Like” is fine in a sentence like this: “Like many Floridians, I think about preparing for bad weather during every hurricane season.” The problem is that many people write fragments starting with “like”: “Like many women who attended college in the 1960s.”
Another point: I would have said “the University of Michigan,” adding “the” and capitalizing “University,” since it’s part of the name of the institution.
Is this sentence correct?
‘Although the boys trained very hard, they could not win because the opposing team was very strong.’
Yes, your sentence is correct!
ballroomdancer My teacher taught me to just use “yet” no other FANBOYS words. When we were learning the use of “Although”
It looks like part of your message is missing. Can you tell me more about the point you’re making?
Is the below sentence correct? I never used ‘although’ with an adjective and now I saw it in a book.
‘Although inexperienced, individuals with the willingness to learn will make a difference in the foreseeable future.’
Technically speaking it’s correct – but it’s awkward. Incidentally, I notice you’re using inverted commas, ‘like this,’ instead of double quotation marks, “like this.” Are you British? The inverted commas are unusual.
Although he accepted to tutor grand children of Rama, but, took no favors for his personal ends.instead desired the welfare of his people.
This sentence needs some corrections. Here are the two most important ones: Don’t use “although” and “but” in the same sentence. And never put a comma after “but.”
Here’s a suggested revision: Although he agreed to tutor Rama’s grandchildren, he took no favors. He desired the welfare of his people.
Although he agreed to tutor Rama’s grandchildren, he took no favors, as he desired the welfare of his people.
is it correct?
Yes, it is! But “as he desired the welfare of his people” sounds formal to my American ears. It would sound more natural to say “because he desired the welfare of his people.” Better yet: because he was committed to helping his people.
according to Cambridge dictionary, i found comma is used before the word although. ” She walked home by herself, although she knew that it was dangerous.” could you explain about this case?
You have sharp eyes! The comma is correct. If you read the sentence aloud, you’ll hear your voice change when you start reading “although she knew that it was dangerous.” Your voice will drop a little and then go up at the end. I call this Comma Rule 3. (Grammarians call it an “interrupter.”) You lower your voice when a sentence has extra information. To learn more, go to this link: https://wp.me/PU98s-1v. You can also search for “Comma Rule 3” in the search box on the home page.
Although the lesser cornstalk borer is widely distributed, control of them is necessary only in the South.
Is it correct?
Technically there’s an agreement error. “The lesser cornstalk borer” is one critter, so “control of it” would be better than “control of them.”
I came up with this revision: “Although the lesser cornstalk borer is very common, control is necessary only in the South.”
Hey there!
“Although she was in Florida yet she didn’t meet him.”
Does this sentence need any error correction?
You need two changes. Delete “yet.” And you need a comma (Comma Rule 1). “Although she was in Florida” is an extra idea. Your real sentence is “she didn’t meet him.” Here’s the corrected sentence: “Although she was in Florida, she didn’t meet him.”
It’s an excellent and very helpful website:)
Thank you so much! I’m so glad the website is helpful.
Re your rule 1 (Never put a comma after although.): I offer, “I decided to accept the job offer although, despite the owner’s assurances, I had some doubts about the company’s stability.
PS—I really enjoy your website. Thank you.
You’re right, and I thought about interrupters when I constructed this post! When I created this blog, I decided – based on years of teaching – not to discuss exceptions when I introduced a rule. Some readers feel intimidated and confused when they think they have to deal with exceptions. Anyone who knows how to construct an elegant sentnce like yours probably wouldn’t even read the post about “although.” Thanks so much for the feedback – I’m glad you’re enjoying my blog!
Yesterday, a coworker told me that I should not start sentences with “although” in formal writing (such as a published letter at work or a paper for grad school). This coworker is not a grammarian, but he claims that two English professors at our university had told him on separate occasions to change sentences so that they do not begin with “although.” I regularly use “although” to start a dependent clause, and I always follow it with an independent clause. For example, I would write, “Although Rosicky could claim paternal dominance, he humbly cleans Polly’s kitchen.”
After reading your post and the comments, I believe that I can use “although” to start sentences in formal writing. Am I correct?
You’re absolutely right – and your professors are wrong. There is not (and never has been) any rule against it – or any rule about starting sentences with and, but, because, and so on. I used to tell my college students that I’d give them $100 in cash if they could find those rules in any reputable grammar book, old or new. Despite frantic searches, nobody ever collected the money! Good for you thinking critically about this question.
Thanks for your response! My professors have never reduced my grade for starting a sentence with “although.” I assume my coworker must have been using “although” instead of “however,” as you explained in your post. I appreciate your help!
Glad I was helpful! 🙂
Although teens hold positive views of different faith groups and religious diversity in Australia yet opinion shifts when it comes to how religion impacts their lives and the lives of others.
mam, i was doing some questions , then I came across this .It was given as a correct option, and one thing to be noticed they have deliberately removed comma from this and have also given explanation :you can use comma or yet
I didn’t get the explanation so , could you plz tell me what kind of structure is this
I would REQUIRE the comma after Australia. I would omit “yet.” I don’t think it’s a good idea to use although and yet in the same sentence this way.
Although I don’t have any questions, I do want to let tell you how helpful this is. Thank you very much.
I’m grinning! Great comment, Elizabeth – thanks so much!
You’re welcome! I just spotted the mistake I DID make. Why didn’t I check myself before submitting?! It’s quite embarrassing, considering the situation. Keep up your good work. Thanks again. Elizabeth
This is hilarious, Elizabeth – I didn’t notice any mistake until I read your second comment. The human brain is a funny organ! I’m often aghast when I go back and reread my WritewithJean posts. No matter how carefully I proofread them – over and over! – many times I find a mistake after I hit “submit.” Well, it keeps us humble!
Hello if I constructed a sentence that requires a comma in grammar rule 3 but I decide to ommit it will my sentence be wrong? I am asking this as I find it complicated to primary school children who learn English as a second language. Anxiously waiting for your technical reply
Can you give me a sample sentence?
The sentence you described will probably have a comma error.
She walked home by herself, although she knew that it was dangerous.
However I thank you so much for a quick response.
My question is, if I missed the comma, would my construction be purely grammatically wrong?
Are you talking about grammar or usage?
Commas often have nothing to do with grammar. They’re a usage issue. So I’d say that you’d probably have a usage error. But that’s not necessarily true. Some commas are optional.
In the sentence you gave me, a usage stickler would say that the comma after “herself” is wrong. But I would use it because there’s a voice change after “herself.”
A usage stickler would say that the comma after “herself” is wrong. But I would go ahead and use it because there’s a voice change after “herself.”
Hello, is this sentence correct. Though it doesn’t follow the rule that Although should be followed by a clause, it feels totally correct. if so, could you explain to me why? Is there elision here?
Thanks in advance!
Antonella
I’ve seen your comment :
Is the below sentence correct? I never used ‘although’ with an adjective and now I saw it in a book.
‘Although inexperienced, individuals with the willingness to learn will make a difference in the foreseeable future.’
Avatar
ballroomdancerPost author
February 19, 2017 at 6:54 am
Technically speaking it’s correct – but it’s awkward. Incidentally, I notice you’re using inverted commas, ‘like this,’ instead of double quotation marks, “like this.” Are you British? The inverted commas are unusual.
Yes, the sentence is correct!
Don’t be intimidated by all the grammar gobbledygook – you don’t need it.
You can download a short, jargon-free handout that explains commas at this link: bit.ly/EasyCommas
Thanks for writing! Jean
Hi, your posts are of great assistance to us. Thanks!
I’d like to know what is the correct verb conjugation in this sentence:
V1: Although Ankara be the capital of Turkey, Istanbul is more crowded than Ankara.
V2: Although Ankara Is the capital of Turkey, Istanbul is more crowded than Ankara.
There’s no verb conjugation here. I think you’re asking which verb is correct: be or is.
The correct verb is is. Version 2 is the right one.
I’m glad you’re finding my posts helpful! Thanks for the feedback.
Hello ballroomdancer,
I’m getting confused with conflicting rules on various sites. I was wondering if you’d be able to help me, especially as your explanations are incredibly clear.
When using subordinating conjunctions, I believe the rule is not to use a comma if the subordinate (dependent) clause is at the end. For example, ‘I broke my leg when I was seven.’ However, if you place the subordinate clause at the start (extra idea), then you use a comma. For instance, ‘When I was seven, I broke my leg.’ I believe this is what you’ve called ‘comma rule one.’
I’m hoping that I’m correct so far?
I’ve read about how conjunctions that show a contrast (such as although, even though, whereas) ALWAYS have a comma when they are used to introduce the extra idea at the end.
Therefore, the following sentence, based on this rule, would have a missing comma:
I am not enjoying working from home although I am enjoying the lie-ins.
Apparently, the correct come usage would be the following:
I am not enjoying working from home, although I am enjoying the lie-ins.
I think you’ve referred to this as a voice changer. However, this article seems to imply that you don’t always have to use them before words such as although.
I hope that I ahve made sense. I am sorry for the essay! I’m just not sure if I am right to believe that whenever a subordinate clause is at the end a comma is not needed before it.
Please help! Thank you in advance!
Hello, Charles! What an interesting question. You’re a terrific writer!
The answer is that the comma is optional. This is a question that bothered me a lot when I first started teaching.
You can do the sentence both ways.
I am not enjoying working from home, although I am enjoying the lie-ins. CORRECT
I am not enjoying working from home although I am enjoying the lie-ins. CORRECT
Your example is usually a Comma Rule 1 sentence (as you said). But Comma Rule 3 could also apply: use a comma when you change your voice.
The only comment I can add is that the comma is optional. I don’t agree with anyone who says you have to use it.
I hope this helps! Jean
It truly does help! Thank you SO much!
Also, I apologise for the two typos in the previous post.
Thank you- not only for your helpful articles but also for your speedy and helpful response. I look forward to future posts. I have subscribed. 🙂
Take care and have a lovely evening,
Charles
I never noticed the typos! I’m so pleased I was helpful, Charles. Thanks for the feedback.
I’ve been working hard on a book, and posts have slowed down. I’ll be posting fresh material soon.
It’s always lovely to hear from a visitor to my blog!
Jean
Hello.
I haven’t found any valid resources on the net that could explain whether it was possible to use “although” with future (will, shall..) or not
For example: Although I won’t come to the lesson, i will do the homework.
Will be looking forward to your response, thank you!
Hi, Timur!
You can use any words you want with although. The tense doesn’t matter.
“Although the restaurants will be closed, we’ll find a place to eat.” That’s a fine sentence.
I’m wondering if you’re learning English as a foreign language. Your English is excellent. Trust what you know! Stop worrying about grammar rules.
Hello!
I have just read your answer. I thought that it would take much longer to get a response, thus i forgot about this website. Anyway I’m very much glad and thankful to you.
As about English, I learnt it as foreign language.
Moreover, I have been teaching English in Uzbekistan for 3 years already.
Good luck in your future achievements, cheers!
It’s good to hear from you again, Timur! Thanks for the good wishes. I’m sure you’re a great English teacher!
kenza woerks hard at the office although she finds time to help her son with his homework
1. Although it was a short duration cooking course yet I have learnt a number of dishes in the classes.
2 Although it was a short duration cooking course, I have learnt a number of dishes in the classes.
3 I have learnt a number of dishes in the classes, although, it was a short duration cooking course.
Could you please tell me which is correct or I can say what are the errors in all the three sentences? I am learning English so excuse me for my sentence making ability. I would also like to know about correct use of THEREFORE. Have you written about it on this website. By the way, Love your content. thank you ( hugs emojis)
Only #2 is correct.
Some tips:
Don’t use “yet” in an although sentence. (#1)
Don’t put a comma after although. (#3)
If the although idea is at the back, don’t use a comma. (#3) Here’s the correct sentence: I have learnt a number of dishes in the classes although it was a short course.
Another tip: just use “short.” You don’t need duration.
Thank you for the feedback! I’m so pleased that you’re enjoying my website.
Would it be grammatically correct or incorrect to put a comma after the word ‘and’ when using although?
And, although it’s cloudy today, I know that the blue skies are coming soon.
Yes, it’s correct! “Although it’s cloudy today” is an interrupter. The first comma takes your voice down; the second comma brings it back up. You can hear those commas if you read your sentence aloud.
Learn more about interrupters at this link (Comma Rule 3).
Yes, your punctuation is correct.
Could we use the although in the middle of the sentences
Yes, you can. It will be a Comma Rule 3 sentence: use commas to lower and raise your voice.
The rain, although it was very welcome, spoiled our plans for a picnic on the beach.
My teacher assigned us to write a paragraph where we need to put an ISC, intro subordinate clause, and in my paragraph, I have chosen the word “although”. My teacher says that in order for it to be grammatically correct, I’d need a subject and a verb in that clause. Would the sentence “Although the cost of living in Finland is high, Finland provides a high income to compensate.” be correct? If not, how can I add a subject and a verb to it, or any other thing to improve.
Your sentence is correct. Well done! Your subject is “the cost of living,” and your verb is “is.”
Thank you for such a great post. I have a question regarding the placement of noun and pronoun in an “although ” sentence :
1) Although Jane was late , she still sent to school
2) Although she was late, Jane still went to school
Should the noun be with the independent clause ? Or both or acceptable?
Appreciate your clarifications.
BW
My answer would depend on what came before the sentence. If readers already know her name is “Jane,” I might not repeat it. But if I’ve used “she” several times, I might want to switch back to “Jane.”
For example: Jane’s alarm didn’t go off this morning. Although she was late, she still went to school.
But here’s a different version: Jane’s alarm didn’t go off this morning. It was 7:45 when she finally woke up, and she knew she’d miss part of her first class. Although she was late, Jane still went to school.
Is it possible to start a sentence with ‘Although’ in between an introductory paragraph of an academic essay?
Kindly confirm whether the below example is correct or not?
Globalization has become an integral part of the rising debate in the contemporary world. Although such topics will never yield a consensual agreement, a dialogue on globalization can lead to thought-provoking discussions.
You can start ANY sentence, ANY time, with ANY word you want. Any word in the English language can be used to start a sentence.
You will never find a rule against starting a sentence with “although” (or “but,” or “and,” or “because,” or any other word) in a reputable grammar book.
Your question puzzles me. The article you read (“Crafting Better Sentences: Use ‘Although’ Carefully”) specifically says you can start sentences with “although.” Here’s what I said in the article: 2. Always attach an although idea to a complete sentence. Anything that starts with although is an extra idea. It can’t stand alone: You have to attach it to a complete sentence. (Think of a garage – nice to have, but you need a house to go with it.)
Although I had some doubts about the company’s stability. I decided to accept the job offer. INCORRECT
Although I had some doubts about the company’s stability, I decided to accept the job offer. CORRECT
3. Yes, you can start a sentence with although! If you start a sentence with an although idea, end the idea with a comma, and follow it with a real sentence.
Suppose you wrote “Although the hurricane was headed our way.” This is an extra idea that can’t end with a period. What to do?
Your first choice is to end it with a comma and add a real sentence. (Think garage + house, as I mentioned earlier.) Here’s what you might have when you’re finished:
Although the hurricane was headed our way last night, early this morning it turned north and missed Florida completely. CORRECT
It sounds like someone gave you some bad information! Don’t believe everything you hear. You can check a good grammar book to see what the REAL rules are.
Thanks a lot for your well-explained clarification and quick response.
You’re welcome!
Although the virtual meeting and texting communication are getting more dominating, I believe face to face communication will still be considered as important and necessary as in the past.
Is this sentence correct?
Do I have to keep the two topics in the subordinate clause and the main clause SAME to make it more logical to be understood?
Thank you so much for your time and knowledge. I appreciate it.
Hi, Danni!
Your grammar is excellent. You used “although” correctly, and your clauses are logical.
Some changes are necessary to make the sentence more readable and natural. I would get rid of “the” in front of “virtual meeting,” for example.
Here’s my version: Despite the popularity of virtual meetings and texting, we need to keep providing opportunities for face-to-face communication.
I’m newly subscribed because your site is wonderful. How generous of you to guide so many through grammatical and syntactic rough waters!
I am proofing a proofreader. 😉 I would love for you to confirm that this “Although” sentence is incorrect, if indeed it is:
I think this was intended to inspire us to find better ways of delivering new products to the market. Although the only advice they could offer at the time was to keep the end-user at the center of the design process.
Thank you very much!
The although sentence indeed is incorrect. Any idea that starts with although is an extra idea. It needs to be attached to a sentence.
Here’s a correct version of the sentence:
I think this was intended to inspire us to find better ways of delivering new products to the market, although the only advice they could offer at the time was to keep the end-user at the center of the design process.
The comma after market is optional. The sentence is so long that I think it needs a break.
I would not write a sentence this long. I would break it into two sentences:
I think this was intended to inspire us to find better ways of delivering new products to the market. But the only advice they could offer at the time was to keep the end-user at the center of the design process.
Ideas have more impact if they have their own sentence. I always try to avoid overpacking a sentence.
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Great post! If we are to join two sentences using although, how do I know which of them is the extra idea that should come directly after ‘although’?
See if you can tell the difference between these two examples, Essam:
Although I like ice cream.
I like ice cream.
The one starting with “although” is the extra idea. Read it aloud, and you can tell it’s not a sentence. It makes you expect something else. That’s how you know it’s not a real sentence.
Now try this: “I want to buy a new car although I can’t afford one right now.”
“although I can’t afford one right now” is the extra idea. (It starts with although.) If you said, “I can’t afford one right now,” it would be a real sentence.
I hope this helps!