In today’s episode, we’ll explain the difference between though, although and while/whilst, look at how they are used in real sentences, and explore when you should use them in everyday English. You’ll also learn how to use some other linking words that may be confusing.
Voice message from Alberto from Australia.
‘Crack the system’ (hack the system)
Alberto also sent an email:
I also wanted to recommend the Irish movie Christy (search for “Irish movie Christy”). I watched it on the plane coming back, and I thought it was a great piece of art.
Lastly, in case you want a couple of subjects for new episodes, I struggle with using whilst and though. I know their meanings, but I don’t feel confident about when to use them. I also know they don’t work together.
Previous episodes about linking words
Connectors and linking expressions for the Cambridge B2 First and C1 Advanced writing exam: https://inglespodcast.com/519
Adverbial clauses, linkers and conjunctions: https://inglespodcast.com/133
More Linking Expressions: https://inglespodcast.com/179
Shoutout to Jesús from Cuenca who also wrote to ask for more content on linking words and connectors.
Whilst and though
What Does “Whilst” Mean?
Whilst means “while.” It is mostly used in British and Australian English and often sounds more formal.
Whilst can be used to speak about things that are happening at the same time.
Craig was listening to music whilst planning a lesson.
Reza was cooking whilst/while talking on the phone.
Sometimes whilst/while can also introduce contrast.
He prefers tea, whilst/while she prefers coffee.
Whilst the project is interesting, it may be too expensive. (this use is more common in formal writing)
What Does “though” Mean?
Though expresses contrast as a concession or unexpected results. It’s quite common in spoken English. (While/Whilst is for contrast between two things or two aspects, but NOT usually a concession in a concessive clause)
A concessive clause means you accept something, but the result is surprising or different.
“Though” is similar in meaning to although and even though
Though/Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
I like the restaurant, though/although it’s a bit expensive.
The film was interesting. It was too long, though.
Where can though appear in a sentence?
At the beginning: Though Reza was tired, he continued working.
In the middle: Craig bought the camera, though it cost an arm and a leg.
At the end (informal): I didn’t enjoy the podcast. It was useful, though.
Unlike although, we can put though at the end of a sentence in informal spoken English.
Advanced linking word alternatives to ‘though’
Whereas
I’m a night owl, whereas my wife is a morning person.
However/Nevertheless
The weather was terrible; however/nevertheless, we enjoyed the hike.
Even though (a stronger contrast than though or although)
Even though he was exhausted, he kept working.
Albeit (means “even though + an unstated but understood repeated clause)
The war was a success, albeit a costly one.
She writes well, albeit slowly.
…and now it’s your turn to practise your English. Do you have any ideas for future podcasts?
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In next week’s episode: Thinking outside the box – expressions and collocations with the word BOX
The music in this podcast is by Pitx. The track is called ‘See You Later’