Start with a real moment.
“It rained. We stayed inside.” These facts are easy to understand, but a connector makes the relationship clear. “We stayed inside because it rained” explains the reason. “It rained, so we stayed inside” presents a result. “Although it rained, we went out” describes an unexpected contrast.
See how the sentence works.
Although + clause, main clause
Read the sentence as one idea, then notice the job each part does.
Understand the choices.
Because introduces a clause with a subject and verb: “because the train was late.” Because of takes a noun phrase: “because of the delay.” Do not drop the subject and verb into a because of phrase unchanged.
So introduces a result after the cause: “The café was full, so we left.” In ordinary standard writing, do not pair because and so to link the same two clauses. Choose “Because it was full, we left” or “It was full, so we left.”
Although introduces a contrast clause, while but coordinates two contrasting clauses. Do not use although and but together for the same link. When an although or because clause comes first, a comma normally separates it from the main clause.
Useful sentences, in context.
I took a taxi because I was running late.
The reason includes a full clause.
The road was closed, so we walked.
Walking is the consequence.
Although the room was small, it was comfortable.
Small does not prevent it from being comfortable.
A small change makes a difference.
AvoidAlthough it was expensive, but I bought it.
UseAlthough it was expensive, I bought it.
Although already links the contrast. Remove but in this structure.
A MOMENT TO PRACTISE
Your turn.
Choose an answer, then check the explanation. There is no timer and nothing to sign up for.
TAKE IT INTO YOUR DAY
Make it yours.
Write three sentences about a recent day: one reason, one result and one unexpected contrast. Check that each connector matches the relationship you mean.
Further reading · Cambridge Dictionary — English Grammar Today
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