although和though意思基本相同,表示“虽然”“尽管”,可引导一个让步从句,放在主句前面(a)或是放在主句后面(b):
a. Although it was barely four o’clock, the lights were already on. 尽管才四点钟,灯已经亮了。
b. The speech is good, though it could be better. 报告很好,尽管还可以更好。
在正式语言中用although时较多。在省略句中,一般用though:
An ass is an ass though laden with gold. 尽管驮着金子驴还是驴。(谚语)
Though not large, the room was light and airy. 房间虽然不大,却很亮堂透气。
另外,though还可用于as though,even though这种短语中:
My father acted as though nothing had happened. 我父亲表现得好像什么也没发生似的。
Even though it’s hard work, I enjoy it. 尽管活很累,我却爱干。
此外,though还可用作副词,表示“但”“不过”等:
You can count on him, though . 不过你可以指靠他。