You can start a sentence with the word “though,” which is the same as starting it with “although.” The term “though” is most appropriate for formal writing, but you can also use it in informal contexts. It is, however, more common to start a sentence with “although” or “even though.”
When you start a sentence without connection to the previous sentence, the word “though” forms a dependent clause.
- Though he arrived at the airport late, he still made the flight.
- Though she said she would call, I haven’t heard from her for days.
For the above examples, you can also put “though” in the middle of the sentence.
- He still made the flight though he arrived at the airport late.
- I haven’t heard from her for days though she said she would call.
As well as using “though” as the first clause of two, it can also respond to the previous sentence.
- The food at the meal was terrible. Though everyone enjoyed themselves in the end.
- We got lost in Tokyo. Though it is the biggest city in the world, so it is not surprising.
You may still be unsure how to use “though” in academic or informal writing. If so, keep reading the rest of the article to learn more about how to use “though” in formal and informal contexts.
We’ve also provided a list of formal synonyms you can use instead of “though.”
Can You Start a Sentence With “Though” in Formal Writing?
You can begin a sentence in formal or academic writing with the word “though.” However, it is not that common.
The terms “although” or “even though,” which have the same meaning, are more common when starting a sentence.
Nonetheless, people still use “though” in academic writing to begin a sentence.
- Though we had wanted to include more variables, the three primary ones were sufficient.
- Though the results were surprising, they confirm the principles of the theory.
You can also use “though” to start a sentence that is a continuation of the previous sentence.
- The substance vaporized at 120 degrees Celsius. Though we did not think it would reach that temperature.
While the above example is correct, you can connect the clauses with a comma instead of using two sentences.
- The substance vaporized at 120 degrees Celsius, though we did not think it would reach that temperature.
Starting a sentence with “though” is not that common. Therefore, there are some alternatives you can use in formal writing instead of the word “though.”
- Although
- Even though
- Nevertheless
- Still
Can You Start a Sentence With “Though” in Informal Writing?
You can use “though” to start a sentence in informal writing.
However, some regard it as quite formal to start a sentence with “though,” and it would be rare in everyday casual messaging.
When starting a sentence, the synonyms “even though” and “although” are more common than “though” in informal writing.
For example, these three sentences have the same meaning, but the second and third would be more common:
- Though I disagree with my boss, it is easier to keep my mouth shut because he is very sensitive.
- Although I disagree with my boss, it is easier to keep my mouth shut because he is very sensitive.
- Even though I disagree with my boss, it is easier to keep my mouth shut because he is very sensitive.