Albeit means although or even if: you accept the main point and add a reservation straight away. The repair was successful, albeit expensive: it worked, though it cost a lot. It's a bookish word that sounds great in reports and essays; in conversation, people say although or but.
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statement + albeit + adjective / adverb / short phrase
- The repair was successful, albeit expensive.
- Applications are still arriving, albeit more slowly than last week.
- The company kept the service running, albeit with fewer staff.
What changed
First versionThe repair was successful, albeit it was expensive.
RevisionThe repair was successful, albeit expensive.
Albeit means although, and although is followed by a full clause, so albeit gets one too: albeit it was expensive. But albeit doesn't work that way: an adjective, an adverb or a short phrase comes straight after it. Remove it was, and the reservation becomes compact.
Although introduces a full clause: although the flat is small. Albeit adds a short reservation: comfortable, albeit small. Despite needs a noun or an -ing form: despite its small size.
Your turn
The instructions were useful, ___ a little confusing at first.
Show the answer
albeit — The instructions were useful, though confusing at first: that's a reservation to the praise, so albeit. Therefore means 'so' and doesn't fit the meaning.
Praise something you bought or a café you like, and add one drawback straight away with albeit.
The desk is sturdy, albeit a little heavy.
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