C1 Expression 비격식체 7분 분량

Though

Academic discourse marker used to connect ideas

15초 만에

  • Used at the end of a sentence to mean 'but' or 'however'.
  • Softens a statement and makes you sound like a native speaker.
  • Common in speech, social media, and professional messaging.
  • Never use it in the same sentence as the word 'but'.

문장 맨 끝에 '하지만'이나 '그렇지만'을 덧붙이는 방법이라고 생각하세요. 대화의 흐름을 부드럽게 유지하면서 대조적인 사실을 인정하는 데 도움이 됩니다.

주요 예문

3 / 12
1

Reviewing a restaurant on Google Maps

The decor was a bit outdated. The steak was incredible, though!

The decor was a bit outdated. The steak was incredible, though!

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
2

Texting a friend about a long day

Work was so stressful today. I'm finally home, though.

Work was so stressful today. I'm finally home, though.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
3

Instagram caption for a rainy vacation photo

It rained the whole time. We still had a blast, though! ☔

It rained the whole time. We still had a blast, though!

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
🌍

문화적 배경

British speakers use 'though' to avoid being 'too much'. It's part of the culture of understatement. Saying 'It's quite nice, though' is often a way to be very polite about something you only slightly like. The 'tho' spelling and the 'That [Noun], though' construction are huge in US digital culture. It's used to point out a specific, impressive, or funny detail. Australians often use 'though' in the 'Yeah, nah, though' construction, which is a complex way of agreeing and then disagreeing (or vice versa). Similar to the UK, Canadians use 'though' to maintain 'niceness' and avoid direct conflict in conversation.

🎯

The 'Comma' Rule

In writing, always put a comma before 'though' at the end of a sentence to make it look professional.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

If you use 'though' at the end of every sentence, you will sound like a teenager. Mix it up with 'however' or 'but'.

15초 만에

  • Used at the end of a sentence to mean 'but' or 'however'.
  • Softens a statement and makes you sound like a native speaker.
  • Common in speech, social media, and professional messaging.
  • Never use it in the same sentence as the word 'but'.

What It Means

Imagine you are complaining about a rainy day. You say, It is pouring outside. Then, you remember you have a brand-new umbrella. You add, I have my new umbrella, though. That tiny word at the end just changed the entire mood of the conversation. It acts like a 'soft but' that sits at the end of a thought. It acknowledges a negative or contrasting point while immediately offering a silver lining. It is essentially the verbal equivalent of a shrug and a smile. You use it to provide balance to your statements without sounding too argumentative or stiff. It is much more common in daily speech than using however or nevertheless, which can feel a bit like you are wearing a tuxedo to a backyard barbecue.

How To Use It

Using though at the end of a sentence is a hallmark of high-level English. To use it correctly, simply state your main idea and follow it with a contrasting thought ending in though. For example, The movie was long. I really liked the ending, though. In written English, you should usually place a comma before it. In spoken English, you just drop it in with a slight pause. You can think of it as a 'trailing' contrast. Unlike but, which connects two ideas in the middle, though lets the first idea stand alone before you gently pivot. It is like a plot twist in a TikTok video that makes sense at the very last second. Just don't overthink the placement; if it feels like a 'but' belongs there, it probably does.

Formality & Register

This specific usage of though is a beautiful middle ground. It is perfectly acceptable in a professional Slack message or a casual Zoom meeting with your team. However, it might be a bit too relaxed for a legal contract or a formal academic dissertation. In those cases, however or although usually take the lead. On the other end of the spectrum, you will see it shortened to tho in Instagram captions or WhatsApp group chats. It is the ultimate social chameleon of English. It shows you understand the rhythm of natural speech. Mastering this is like upgrading from a standard filter to a professional edit on your language skills. It adds a layer of sophistication that but simply cannot reach.

Real-Life Examples

Let's look at how this pops up in your daily digital life. You might see a tweet saying, The new iPhone is so expensive. The camera is incredible, though. Or perhaps you are reading a review on Yelp: The service was a bit slow. The pasta was to die for, though! Even in gaming, a teammate might say, We lost the round. We got some great kills, though. It is everywhere because it mirrors how we actually think—we often state a problem and then immediately look for the upside. It is also great for 'hedging' or making your opinions sound less harsh. Instead of saying Your idea is bad, you might say It would be expensive. It is very creative, though. It is the polite way to disagree without being a killjoy.

When To Use It

You should reach for this phrase whenever you want to sound more natural and less like an AI. It is perfect for casual storytelling, giving feedback, or just chatting over coffee. Use it when you want to soften a blow or emphasize a positive point after a negative one. It is also a great tool for 'texting' style. If you are describing a travel experience on a vlog, saying The flight was delayed. The view from the window was stunning, though makes you sound like a seasoned traveler. It is also useful when you want to add a thought you almost forgot. It allows you to tack on a qualification without having to rewrite your entire sentence. It is the ultimate tool for conversational flexibility.

When NOT To Use It

The biggest rule is: do not use but and though in the same sentence. Saying ✗ But it was raining, though is like wearing two hats at the same time—it is redundant and a bit confusing. You also shouldn't use it at the end of very formal, technical documents where precision is more important than flow. Avoid using it if there is no contrast at all. If you say I like pizza. I like pasta, though, people will wonder why you are contrasting two things that are both good. It needs a 'weight' to balance against. Also, don't use the slang spelling tho in a job application unless you want your resume to end up in the digital trash bin. Keep it classy when it counts.

Common Mistakes

But the food was good, though. The food was good, though. (Pick one, don't double up!)
I like though the weather. I like the weather, though. (It almost always goes at the very end.)
Though I am tired. I am tired, though. (When used as an adverb, it needs that final position.)
It was expensive. However, I bought it, though. It was expensive. I bought it, though. (Again, avoid doubling your connectors.)
Although it was late, I stayed, though. Although it was late, I stayed. (Pick the beginning or the end, not both.)

Common Variations

In the world of texting and social media, tho is king. You will see it on TikTok comments like That transition tho! or The ending tho! In these cases, it is often used as an intensifier rather than a contrast. Then you have although, which is the older, more serious brother used at the start of sentences. There is also even though, which adds extra drama and emphasis. In some British or Australian dialects, you might hear people use mind you in a similar way at the end of a sentence. But for global, modern English, the standard end-of-sentence though remains the most versatile and cool option in your vocabulary toolkit.

Real Conversations

Speaker A: Did you see the new Netflix series everyone is talking about?

Speaker B: Yeah, I watched the first few episodes last night. It started a bit slow, though.

Speaker A: I agree! The acting is pretty solid, though. Does it get better?

Speaker B: I think so. The cliffhanger at the end of episode three was wild, though. You should definitely keep watching.

Speaker A: Okay, I'll give it another shot tonight. I have a lot of work, though.

Speaker B: Just watch one! You need a break, though.

Quick FAQ

Is though at the end of a sentence grammatically correct? Yes, absolutely! In this context, it is an adverb meaning 'nevertheless' or 'however.' It is widely used by native speakers. Does it always need a comma? In formal writing, yes, a comma before though at the end is standard. In casual texting, people usually skip it. Is it the same as although? Not quite. Although is a conjunction that usually starts a clause, while though at the end functions as an adverb. Can I use it in a job interview? Yes, it is fine for professional speech as long as you don't overdo it. It helps you sound confident and natural.

사용 참고사항

At the C1 level, mastering the end-of-sentence 'though' is essential for sounding native. Use it to pivot between negative and positive ideas in conversation. Remember: comma before it in writing, and never pair it with 'but' in the same sentence.

🎯

The 'Comma' Rule

In writing, always put a comma before 'though' at the end of a sentence to make it look professional.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

If you use 'though' at the end of every sentence, you will sound like a teenager. Mix it up with 'however' or 'but'.

💬

The 'Tho' Slang

Only use 'tho' in texts or with friends. Never use it in a job application!

💡

Ending on a High Note

Use 'though' to end with a positive fact. It leaves a better impression on the listener.

예시

12
#1 Reviewing a restaurant on Google Maps
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

The decor was a bit outdated. The steak was incredible, though!

The decor was a bit outdated. The steak was incredible, though!

Pivoting from a negative observation to a strong positive one.

#2 Texting a friend about a long day
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Work was so stressful today. I'm finally home, though.

Work was so stressful today. I'm finally home, though.

Using the phrase to provide relief after a negative statement.

#3 Instagram caption for a rainy vacation photo
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

It rained the whole time. We still had a blast, though! ☔

It rained the whole time. We still had a blast, though!

The classic 'silver lining' usage common on social media.

#4 Zoom meeting with a colleague
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

The deadline is tight. It’s definitely doable, though.

The deadline is tight. It’s definitely doable, though.

Balancing a professional concern with a confident 'can-do' attitude.

#5 In a gaming voice chat
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

We missed the objective. Nice try, though!

We missed the objective. Nice try, though!

Used to encourage others despite a failure.

#6 Watching a movie
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

The plot was a bit confusing. The visuals were stunning, though.

The plot was a bit confusing. The visuals were stunning, though.

A common way to critique art by balancing pros and cons.

Common learner error 흔한 실수
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

✗ But I am tired, though. → ✓ I am tired, though.

But I am tired, though. → I am tired, though.

You cannot use 'but' and 'though' together; it is redundant.

Word order error 흔한 실수
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

✗ It was expensive though I bought it. → ✓ It was expensive. I bought it, though.

It was expensive though I bought it. → It was expensive. I bought it, though.

When used as a conversational adverb, it needs to be at the end of the second thought.

#9 Ordering food on an app
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

The delivery was late. The food is still hot, though.

The delivery was late. The food is still hot, though.

Acknowledging a service failure but noting a redeeming quality.

#10 Talking about a breakup
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>

It's been really hard lately. I'm getting through it, though.

It's been really hard lately. I'm getting through it, though.

Adding a sense of resilience to a personal story.

#11 Job interview feedback
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

He doesn't have much experience. He has a great portfolio, though.

He doesn't have much experience. He has a great portfolio, though.

Professional way to present a balanced evaluation.

#12 Sarcastic comment about a bad day
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

My car broke down and I lost my keys. At least I have my coffee, though.

My car broke down and I lost my keys. At least I have my coffee, though.

Humorous use to highlight a tiny positive in a disaster.

셀프 테스트

Complete the sentence with 'though' in the correct position.

I don't like coffee. I'll have a cup ____.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: though

'Though' is the only one that can sit at the end of the sentence as an adverb.

Which sentence sounds most like a native speaker in a casual conversation?

A: Although it's raining, I'm going out. B: It's raining. I'm going out, though.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: B

While both are grammatically correct, B is much more common in natural, casual speech.

Complete the dialogue.

Speaker A: 'The party was a bit boring.' Speaker B: 'Yeah, I know. The food was ____, ____.'

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: good, though

The pattern is [Adjective] + [though] at the end of the sentence.

Match the sentence to the situation.

Sentence: 'I'm not a fan of horror movies. I'll watch this one, though.'

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Making a compromise

The speaker is agreeing to do something they don't usually like.

🎉 점수: /4

시각 학습 자료

연습 문제 은행

4 연습 문제
Complete the sentence with 'though' in the correct position. Fill Blank B1

I don't like coffee. I'll have a cup ____.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: though

'Though' is the only one that can sit at the end of the sentence as an adverb.

Which sentence sounds most like a native speaker in a casual conversation? Choose B2

A: Although it's raining, I'm going out. B: It's raining. I'm going out, though.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: B

While both are grammatically correct, B is much more common in natural, casual speech.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion B1

Speaker A: 'The party was a bit boring.' Speaker B: 'Yeah, I know. The food was ____, ____.'

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: good, though

The pattern is [Adjective] + [though] at the end of the sentence.

Match the sentence to the situation. situation_matching B2

Sentence: 'I'm not a fan of horror movies. I'll watch this one, though.'

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Making a compromise

The speaker is agreeing to do something they don't usually like.

🎉 점수: /4

자주 묻는 질문

14 질문

Yes, but only as a conjunction (e.g., 'Though it was raining, I went out'). You cannot start a sentence with the adverbial 'though' that means 'however'.

It is a non-standard, informal spelling of 'though'. It's 'real' in the sense that people use it, but it's not 'correct' in formal writing.

'However' is formal and usually starts a sentence. 'Though' is informal and usually ends a sentence.

This is a slang usage where 'though' is used for emphasis rather than contrast. It means 'Look at how amazing/strange that hair is!'

It is always 'even though'. 'Even although' is incorrect.

In formal-ish writing, yes. In a quick text message, no.

Yes, if the tone is casual and you are writing to a colleague you know well. Avoid it in formal proposals.

Yes, the meaning is the same, but the position in the sentence is different.

It's redundant, but native speakers do it in very casual speech. Try to avoid it to sound more precise.

It is extremely common in both, but the 'That... though' slang started in the US.

It is a voiced 'th', like in 'this', 'that', and 'the'. Your vocal cords should vibrate.

No, if it's a conjunction, the clause it introduces is usually followed by a comma.

'Though' is for contrast; 'Anyway' is for moving on or dismissing a point.

The word itself is basic, but using it correctly as a sentence-final adverb with the right nuance is a C1-level skill.

관련 표현

🔄

however

synonym

But; nevertheless.

🔗

mind you

similar

Used to add a qualification.

🔄

all the same

synonym

Despite what has just been said.

🔗

anyway

similar

In any case.

🔗

even so

similar

Despite that.

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