though

Everyday

1. Though means «in spite of the fact that»; it joins two ideas that seem not to fit together. tree →
2. At the end of a sentence, though means «however» or «but». tree →
3. As though means «as if». tree →
4. At the end of a question, though can mean "really?" to show surprise or doubt. tree →

In the lessons

In reading and writing «though» shows a surprise or a contrast: «Though it was raining, we played outside.» In stories it tells the reader that something unexpected happened. «Even though» makes the contrast stronger. In everyday talk people add «though» at the end: «It's cold. It's sunny, though.» In maths word problems it can signal a twist: «Though she had 10 sweets, she gave away 3.»

Examples

• Though it was late, the children were not tired. tree →
• Even though he was scared, he jumped into the pool. tree →
• The test was hard. I passed, though. tree →
• It looks as though it's going to rain. tree →
• She smiled, though she felt sad inside. tree →
• I like pizza. I'm full now, though. tree →
• He spoke as though he knew everything. tree →
• "Ah, would it, though?" said the man. tree →

Note

«Though» and «although» mean almost the same at the start of a sentence; only «though» can go at the end. Do not confuse «though» (thoh) with «through» (throo), «thought» (thawt) or «tough» (tuff). «Tho» is an informal spelling, not for school writing.

In Jewish tradition

In reading and writing «though» shows a surprise or a contrast: «Though it was raining, we played outside.» In stories it tells the reader that something unexpected happened. «Even though» makes the contrast stronger. In everyday talk people add «though» at the end: «It's cold. It's sunny, though.» In maths word problems it can signal a twist: «Though she had 10 sweets, she gave away 3.»

Examples

• And Laban said to Jacob: 'What hast thou done, that thou hast outwitted me, and carried away my daughters as though captives of the sword? (Torah GEN.31.26, JPS 1917) tree →
• And he looked on the Kenite, and took up his parable, and said: Though firm be thy dwelling-place, and though thy nest be set in the rock; (Torah NUM.24.21, JPS 1917) tree →
• And the gift which ye set apart shall be reckoned unto you, as though it were the corn of the threshing-floor, and as the fulness of the wine-press. (Torah NUM.18.27, JPS 1917) tree →
• And though thy beginning was small, yet thy end should greatly increase. (Writings JOB.8.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• And though they say: 'As the LORD liveth', surely they swear falsely. (Prophets JER.5.2, JPS 1917) tree →
• When your fathers tried Me, proved Me, even though they saw My work. (Writings PSA.95.9, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

«Though» and «although» mean almost the same at the start of a sentence; only «though» can go at the end. Do not confuse «though» (thoh) with «through» (throo), «thought» (thawt) or «tough» (tuff). «Tho» is an informal spelling, not for school writing.