though
When a situation is in contrast to some sort of expectation, you can use the word “though.”
- Though he doesn’t get a lot of exercise, he looks very strong.
- We’re going on an expensive trip to Hawaii–though we can’t really afford it.
- This biscuit is hard to eat. It’s good though.
The use of “though” is very common in spoken English.
a. Use "though" as a subordinating conjunction.
As a subordinating conjunction, “though” appears at the beginning of a dependent clause. It indicates some sort of contrast. It’s similar to “but.”
- The meeting was long–though it was productive. (long meeting = bad; productive meeting = good)
- Though they have very little money, they are optimistic about the future. (When a dependent clause begins a sentence, there must be a comma at the end of that clause.)
- Luke and Zhane didn’t know many people at the party, though they had a good time.
- I don’t know how to play the piano, though I would like to learn.
- We could do this, though we shouldn’t. (this = any kind of activity which is fun or pleasurable or exciting or risky)
Punctuation note: Unlike other subordinating conjunctions, a comma is often used before “though,” which breaks a pronunciation rule for a subordinating clause, but a comma or a long dash would be acceptable in writing because “though” is so similar to the coordinating conjunction, “but.”
- They had a good time at the party, though they didn’t know very many people there.
Pronunciation: Make sure the “th” sound at the beginning of the word is voiced. The video explains this.
b. Many people use "though" at the end of a sentence.
Using “though” at the end of a sentence, allows you to express a contrast as a type of afterthought. An idea suddenly occurs to you. The first part of the sentence might be positive, whereas the second part of the sentence might be slightly negative and visa versa. In this case, “though” is an adverb modifying an adjective or a verb.
- For some people, tofu doesn’t have much flavor. It’s healthy though. (The first part of the sentence is negative; the second part is positive.)
- It’s fun to dive into an open pool of water in a quarry. It’s dangerous though. (positive experience; negative experience)
- Anyone can learn English well. It requires dedication though.
- Walking to work takes time over driving a car. It’s better for the environment though.
- Though time consuming, walking to work is better for the environment than driving a car. (You can use “though” as part of a phrase that introduces a sentence)
- Though difficult, it’s worth the time it takes to learn English well.
It looks like fun. It’s dangerous though.