Even though means “despite the fact that”. It is a stronger “although”: it stresses that the main part of the sentence is surprising or goes against expectations. What follows “even though” is always a real fact, not a possibility.
How would you use even though?
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Even though + clause, + clause; clause + even though + clause
- Many people still drive to work even though public transport is cheaper and often faster.
- Even though the new parking charges were unpopular at first, they reduced traffic in the city centre.
- She still calls her mum every day, even though she moved out ten years ago.
What changed
First versionEven if it was raining, we went for a walk along the river.
RevisionEven though it was raining, we went for a walk along the river.
“Even if” and “even though” both start with “even”, so they are easy to mix up. “Even if” is about something that might happen: even if it rains tomorrow. But in this sentence it really was raining. For a real fact, use “even though”; the rest of the sentence stays the same.
“Even though” and “although” can replace each other; the difference is in strength. Although it was late, we went out sounds calm, while Even though it was nearly two in the morning, we went out for pizza stresses how unexpected it was. In conversation there is also the short “though”, which can even go at the end of a sentence: The food wasn't great, though. “Even though” never goes at the end.
Your turn
Anna still works as a waitress ___ she graduated from medical school two years ago.
Show the answer
even though — Anna really did graduate from medical school, which is a fact, and working as a waitress goes against it. A fact needs “even though”. “Even if” would work for a possibility: She'll keep this job even if she gets a better offer.
Write about something you keep doing even though it is inconvenient or difficult. After even though, say what the difficulty is.
I still go to my Spanish class every Tuesday even though it finishes at nine and I get home really late.
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