difference between although and however

[Assaidkhale]

can you show me what is the difference between althogh and however? both are used to show contrast but still there is difference in usage between them.

[Ryan101]

Although and however serve two distinct purposes.

Although binds two contradictory ideas together into one idea with the main idea ruling over the subordinate idea. Hence the order of the ideas is insiginifcant because whatever follows the conjunction although becomes marginalized. (in the complex sentence structure)

"I had to leave the country although the several binding contracts that could keel up my business made me reconsider" (the writer left)

means exactly the same as

"Although the several binding contracts that could keel up my business made me reconsider, I had to leave the country " (the writer left)

With the logically loose conjunctive adverb however, however, the order of presenting the writer's ideas is significant, as whatever comes next is the way things turn out. The conflicting ideas are not brought together in one thought system, but are left scattered in time, space, and reason. (in the compound sentence structure)

"I had to leave the country; however the several binding contracts that could keel up my business made me reconsider" (the writer stayed)

means exactly the opposite from

"The several binding contracts that could keel up my business made me reconsider; however I had to leave the country." (the writer left)

[Mordant]

Nice explanation, Ryan. :-)

[Alan]

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Hi Assaidkhale,

'Although' used as a conjunction in the sense of two contrasting points in two separate sentences, shows concession as in:

1) It was raining.

2) We continued climbing the mountain.

When we put the two together, we show a contrast by indicating that in spite of the rain we continued our climb and we say:

Although it was raining, we continued climbing the mountain or We continued climbing the mountain although it was raining

'However' as an adverb suggests 'but' 'nevertheless' as in: We knew it was raining. We continued however climbing the mountain.

'However' as a conjunction suggests 'in whatever way' 'regardless of how' as in: We continued climbing the mountain however hard it rained.

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Ryan101]