You can start a sentence with the word “although” in formal and informal writing. However, when you use “although” at the beginning of a sentence, you must put another clause after the “although” clause. E.g., “Although she didn’t try hard, she won the game.”
The word “although” is a conjunction that can appear at the start of a sentence, or you can place it in the middle. The meaning is the same as “even though” or “despite the fact.”
To use the word” although,” you must separate the sentence into two halves. The half that contains “although” is always dependent, and the other half is usually, but not always, independent.
- Although it was raining, she went for a walk.
The same sentence with a different word order would be:
- She went for a walk, although it was raining.
The clause that contains the word “although” is always dependent because it is a “subordinating” conjunction. Furthermore, the definition of “although” means that it always depends on the other half of the sentence.
Furthermore, the second clause in the sentence is usually independent but can also be dependent.
- Although it was raining, she went for a walk anyway because she likes wet weather.
If you are still in doubt about whether you can start sentences with “although,” please continue scrolling. We’ll explain more about using “although” in formal and informal writing. Moreover, we’ll provide alternatives to starting a sentence with “although.”
Can You Start a Sentence With “Although” in Formal Writing?
You can use “although” to start a sentence in formal or academic writing.
The word “although” is considered relatively formal, and it is appropriate to start a sentence or paragraph with “although.”
- Although the experiment was a success, the results it provided are limited in scope.
- Although they have made efforts to reduce crime, those efforts have mainly been unsuccessful.
Using the word “although” in formal writing is acceptable. However, if you want to choose a synonym you could use the ones below:
- Albeit
- Despite the fact
- Granting
- Notwithstanding
Can You Start a Sentence With “Although” in Informal Writing?
In informal writing, you can use “although” at the beginning of a sentence. However, some people may consider “although” a little too formal in highly casual messaging.
Therefore, many people may opt to say “even though” or “even if” instead.
- Although he invited me for dinner, I am still not going.
- Even though he invited me for dinner, I am still not going.
However, others would not find it strange at all to use “although” in messaging. Furthermore, there is nothing incorrect about starting a sentence or paragraph with “although.”
- Although it is late, I think we should go out and take a stroll along the beach.