AEE 2346: This is Tricky English Grammar, Though

Summary

All Ears English Podcast Summary
Episode: AEE 2346 - "This is Tricky English Grammar, Though"
Release Date: January 27, 2025

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Introduction

In Episode 2346, titled "This is Tricky English Grammar, Though," hosts Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan delve into the nuanced uses of the word "though" in American English. Aimed at intermediate to advanced ESL learners, the episode addresses common questions from listeners about incorporating "though" seamlessly into everyday conversations.

Understanding "Though": Three Core Uses

The primary focus of this episode is to explore the three main ways "though" is utilized in English, enhancing both the speaker's fluency and the depth of their communication.

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1. Adding Contrasting Information

Contrasting Information:
"Though" is often employed to introduce information that contrasts with what has been previously stated, adding depth and nuance to the conversation.

• Example at Sentence Beginning:
  "Though we called in our order, it wasn't ready when we arrived."
  (Timestamp: 05:15)

• Example in the Middle of a Sentence:
  "They went to the same university, though they never met there."
  (Timestamp: 07:07)

• Example at Sentence End:
  "I like shopping. Not when it's crowded, though."
  (Timestamp: 07:37)

Aubrey emphasizes the flexibility of "though," noting that its placement can subtly alter the sentence's emphasis. When placed at the end, it often carries a more informal tone and highlights the contrast more strongly through intonation.

Notable Quote:
"We do this all the time. You know, I just planned this episode a couple of days ago, but since then it always kind of highlights for me."
— Lindsay at [03:27]

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2. Replacing "But" as a Subordinating Conjunction

Substituting "But":
In this context, "though" functions similarly to "but," serving as a subordinating conjunction that introduces a statement contrasting with the main clause. This usage often implies that the contrasting information is somewhat unexpected or out of the ordinary.

• Beginning of Sentence:
  "Though I don't usually buy popcorn at the movies, I'm getting some today."
  (Timestamp: 08:41)

• Middle of Sentence:
  "I don't usually drink soda, though I drank a lot today."
  (Timestamp: 08:48)

• End of Sentence:
  "I usually never skip class. I didn't go today, though."
  (Timestamp: 08:54)

Michelle points out that using "though" in these instances not only replaces "but" but also adds a layer of informality and conversational tone. The placement at the end often reflects spontaneous speech, as speakers may insert "though" while thinking through their sentences.

Notable Quote:
"I would say it's the slightest bit more, maybe informal, sort of casual, conversational."
— Lindsay at [09:20]

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3. Showing Appreciation

Expressing Gratitude:
"Though" can be added at the end of a sentence to express appreciation for an offer or action, similar to saying "thank you anyway" or "thanks regardless." This usage softens the refusal and conveys gratitude without committing to the offered gesture.

• Example:
  "I don't need a ride. Thanks, though."
  (Timestamp: 10:23)

During the episode, Lindsay and Michelle role-play scenarios to illustrate this use, highlighting how "though" can make refusals sound more polite and appreciative.

Notable Quote:
"It's a great, very native, natural way to show appreciation for the offer."
— Michelle at [14:53]

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Practical Application: Role Play

To consolidate the lesson, Lindsay and Michelle engage in a role-play demonstrating all three uses of "though" within a conversational context.

Conversation Example:

1. Contrasting Information:
   Michelle: "I thought I had been to every Thai place in town. I haven't been here though."
   (Timestamp: 13:22)

2. Substituting "But":
   Lindsay: "It's my favorite. Thai is often too spicy for me though. This curry is just right."
   (Timestamp: 13:27)

3. Expressing Gratitude:
   Michelle: "Do you need a ride home after I know your car was in the shop?"
   Lindsay: "No, I got it back today. Thanks, though."
   (Timestamp: 14:32)

This segment effectively demonstrates how "though" can seamlessly fit into various parts of a conversation, enhancing the naturalness and expressiveness of the dialogue.

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Conclusion and Takeaways

Lindsay and Michelle conclude the episode by reiterating the importance of mastering the different uses of "though" to improve conversational English. They encourage listeners to:

• Observe and Practice:
  Pay attention to how native speakers use "though" in different contexts and practice incorporating it into daily conversations.

• Enhance Connections:
  Utilize "though" to create more engaging and nuanced interactions, fostering better connections with English speakers.

• Stay Tuned for Follow-Ups:
  The hosts hint at future episodes that will delve deeper into related topics, such as how to politely decline offers using various expressions.

Final Notable Quote:
"Add this to your language. Start noticing it. You're going to hear it on TV, podcasts, conversations, day to day. We say it all the time."
— Michelle at [16:00]

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Key Insights

• Flexibility of "Though":
  Its ability to appear at the beginning, middle, or end of sentences allows for nuanced expression tailored to the speaker's intent and the conversational context.

• Enhancing Speech Naturalness:
  Proper use of "though" can make non-native speakers sound more fluent and adept at nuanced communication.

• Connection Over Perfection:
  Emphasizing meaningful connections in conversations rather than grammatical perfection aligns with the podcast's overarching philosophy.

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Conclusion

Episode 2346 of the All Ears English Podcast offers a comprehensive exploration of the versatile uses of "though" in English grammar. Through clear explanations, practical examples, and engaging role-plays, Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan equip listeners with the tools to incorporate this nuanced word into their vocabulary effectively. Whether contrasting information, substituting "but," or expressing gratitude, mastering "though" can significantly enhance conversational fluency and connection in American English.

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Join the Community:
For more insights and lessons on American English, subscribe to the All Ears English Podcast and engage with a global community of learners dedicated to speaking English like a native.

Transcript

[A]

This is an Allers English podcast, episode 2346. This is tricky English grammar though.

[B]

Welcome to the All Ears English podcast, downloaded more than 200 million times. Are you feeling stuck with your English? We'll show you how to become fearless and fluent by focusing on connection, not perfection, with your American host, Aubrey Carter, the IELTS whiz and Lindsey McMahon, the English adventurer, coming to you from Arizona and Colorado, usa. And to get your transcripts delivered by email every week, go to allearsenglish.com subscribe do you hear native speakers use the word though but you're not quite sure how to fit it in today? Get three main ways that we use though and learn how it can add nuance and interest to what you're saying.

[A]

It's amazing when you can focus on your goals and let all distractions fall away. Announcing our B2C1 fluency course bundle, available this week only. In B2, you learn to make your conversations in interesting and then you move on to C1 where you add nuance, sophistication and precision to your language. Get all of this for 2025 and save up to $200 off the normal [e-mail] bundle. Jump in now because the special bundle price goes away February 2nd at midnight. That's allersenglish.comb u n D L E hey Lindsay, how are you?

[B]

Excellent. Aubry. What's. What's going on with you? What's new?

[A]

Oh, not too much. It's a beautiful day here. I do have a question. We'll see if you can come up with something on the fly. I didn't prepare you for this question.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[A]

What's the last book you read?

[B]

Oh wow. So I just read a book. I just finished a book called Finding Alaska and I loved it. It was hard to find the time to read though, to be honest.

[A]

Oh, that's me. I wish I had time to read more. I need to schedule it cuz.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, it's hard. It's hard. I think if you create a block of time in the day somehow and dedicate it to reading, it helps.

[A]

Yes, that would definitely help. Right? Well, you did something really interesting with your answer there that I want to point out. We are talking about today. You said it was hard to find time to read though, and this is. We got a great question about this. I've gotten questions from students about this before too. Like how do I know? When can I put though at the end? I've also seen it at the beginning Those kind of complicated English. We're going to dive into this today.

[B]

Yeah, I'm excited to get into a little higher level grammar here and really because this is one of the elements that would bring us to that B2 level, C1 level. To really make it work, make it smooth, have it make sense and convey our tone, our feelings, what's under the message.

[A]

Right, Absolutely right. Yes. So let's share the question here. This was on YouTube from Edwin. Would you like to read the question for us, Lindsay? Yes.

[B]

Here we go. Another amazing conversation. I guess he's referring to a previous episode, right?

[A]

Yes. Great.

[B]

Thank you, Edwin. I was wondering if you could teach about the word though at the end of some sentences. For example, the movie was good. It was a bit too long though. And Aubrey, there's nothing more natural than a phrase like this, right?

[A]

Absolutely. We do this all the time. You know, I just planned this episode a couple of days ago, but since then it always kind of highlights for me. I start noticing and I've heard people do this several times since then. It's so common, 100%.

[B]

So I'm excited that we are focusing on this real English today. But guys, hit the follow button if you love. If you love Allers English and you believe in our, our method, our value, which is connection. Human connection is what matters. And that's what we're after right here on the show. So we bring every teaching point on the podcast back to how you can use it to connect. Not always to be correct. We're going to show you how to be correct, of course. But we believe connection matters more. Right, Aubry?

[A]

Yes, exactly. And we're going to show three ways that we use though today. And the third one especially we really are using to build relationships and connect. So be sure to stay to the end so you don't miss that one. But we want to share. When I was looking through questions that have been sent to us, there was another one that was pretty similar, but it's more about though versus but so I'm going to do that as a follow up. So be sure to hit follow guys, so that you don't miss that. Sort of part two to this.

[B]

Yeah, a bit of a mini series we've got going on here. I love that. That. Yeah. Where do we start today, Aubrey?

[A]

Okay, so as an FYI though, can go at the beginning, middle or end of a sentence. Okay. So it is either being used as a conjunction to join two clauses and when it's a conjunction it means despite the fact that or even Though, So let's give an example sentence of it being used as a conjunction. Lindsay.

[B]

Okay, so here we go. So though we called in our order, it wasn't ready when we arrived.

[A]

Exactly. Right. So it's at the beginning of a dependent clause. Though we called in our order, it wasn't ready when we arrived. And this is a conjunction to join two ideas. Yeah, but it can also be used as an adverb. Yeah, go ahead.

[B]

Just one question about that. We could also say although. Right. Although we called in our order. Is that correct?

[A]

Although. Or even though. Or even despite the fact that. Right. We do have lots of options in English. So if you have said though a few times, you could use one of these other options. They all mean the same. All right, good.

[B]

So let's transition into the A adverb use. Aubrey, what does it look like?

[A]

So it can also be used as an adverb. And when we use it as an adverb, it means despite this very similar, Just a different function in the sentence.

[B]

So, for example, he felt guilty about lying to his mom, though he wasn't about to fess up.

[A]

Yeah, he wasn't about to fess up. He may have felt guilty, but he wasn't going to say anything about it.

[B]

Yeah, it means but.

[A]

Right.

[B]

He felt guilty, but he wasn't going to tell her the truth.

[A]

Yeah, exactly. You could also say but here. So we're going to talk about three different ways we use, though in English. Some of these example sentences. It's being used as a conjunction, sometimes as an adverb. And we're also going to show how we use it at the end. So let's start. The first use is adding contrasting information.

[B]

Yes. So used to add the information that contrasts with what we've already said.

[A]

Right, exactly. So something has already been stated. And then we use though, to contrast it in some way.

[B]

Okay, so how does that look like? How does that look, Aubry, when it's at the beginning of a sentence?

[A]

Yeah. So at the beginning you might say, though, I know I shouldn't eat ice cream every day. I just can't resist it. So we're contrasting what we know we should do with what we actually do.

[B]

And then we can also have the option of putting it in the middle. So here's how it looks when we put it in the middle of the sentence. They went to the same university, though they never met there.

[A]

Interesting. Yes. Right. And then at the end, you might say, I like shopping. Not when it's crowded, though. And then what's interesting is to see that all of these sentences could be reworded to put the though at the end or the beginning. It's all just about how you're constructing the sentence. So you have lots of options.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

And when you throw it at the end here, I think it's the most native and natural. We do this all the time. It's a little more informal when we speak this way.

[B]

Yeah. And I think you do need to pay attention to intonation here, too. Our listeners really want make sure. Because when we say it at the end, it feels like the intonation is different. Right. Not when it's crowded, though.

[A]

Do you think? So we're emphasizing, though, a little more. So all of these sentences. We could adjust. I could say they went to the same university. They never met there, though.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

And you are hitting, though, a little stronger to emphasize the contrast.

[B]

Right? Exactly. Exactly. Okay, so what's number two, Aubrey, that we need to know?

[A]

Two is like you. Like you mentioned, you're replacing but. Or however. In this case, it's used as a subordinating conjunction. So this indicates that something you have said is less true than usual. So it's a similar. But it's a slightly different meaning. You're not just contrasting information. You're sort of saying, whatever I'm saying is out of the usual. Is out is not normal.

[B]

Okay. So for example, when we put it at the beginning, we could say, though, I don't usually buy popcorn at the movies. I'm getting some today.

[A]

Yes. Yes. Or in the middle, I don't usually drink soda, though I drink a lot today.

[B]

Nice. Or at the end, I usually never skip class. I didn't go today, though.

[A]

Yes. Yeah. And for all of these, I think this is what's especially interesting. Every time you see, though, it could be tacked on at the end, like our listener mentioned. Right. You could say, I don't usually drink soda. I drink a lot today, though. And it really. They're very interchangeable. It's the same meaning. I would say it's the slightest bit more, maybe informal, sort of casual, conversational.

[B]

I mean, at the end. When it's at the end.

[A]

Yes, when it's at the end.

[B]

I. I agree with that. It feels. Yeah. It feels more down to earth, maybe, but small difference. Very small difference. Maybe more. Yeah. More spoken spoken English.

[A]

And you might just be tacking it on at the end because you're sort of thinking as you speak.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And you're realizing you need the. Though, if I say I don't usually drink soda and then I realize I need to admit I drink a lot today, though. So then I might be adding it because I'm sort of not realizing the function here until the end.

[B]

100. I think that is what's happening, actually.

[A]

A lot. Yeah.

[B]

You're thinking out loud and you're adding words as you're thinking how the sentence is sounding. Right. But I didn't go today, though.

[A]

I didn't go today, though.

[B]

Right, right. All right. The third one is to show appreciation. Tell us about this one.

[A]

Yeah. We add, though, to thanks. It means the same as like, thank you anyway or thanks regardless. And you are using it to indicate appreciation for an offer or a gesture that you cannot except for some reason or it's not needed.

[B]

Yes. I don't need a ride. Thanks, though.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So you've been offered a ride, and maybe you are gonna walk home or you're gonna take a lift or someone's coming to get you.

[A]

Right, exactly. And so you could just say, no, thank you. But that actually could come off as a little bit unappreciative or like, this is a great way to show that you appreciate the offer. And we'll just be like, oh, no, thanks, though.

[B]

Yeah. And actually that gives me an idea. We could do another episode, Aubry, on how to decline an offer for something. You know, we say lots of interesting things. We say things like, I'm good, thanks. Right. Things like that that are kind of slangy. So for another day. For another.

[A]

Yeah, that's definitely a good follow up because there are so many ways where we're trying to let someone know we appreciate the offer without. We don't want to just say thank you or. It does sound a little ungrateful. It's interesting.

[B]

100%. All right. Anything else we need here before we take a quick break?

[A]

Yeah, I just had that one. One more example to say if someone's offered you maybe a ride, you can say, no, I'm okay. Thanks, though. That'd be another one to bring up on that whole. On whole episode of ways to say that.

[B]

Yeah. I think when someone does make an offer, the more words you can give, the better, because that kind of softens the blow. Right, right. No, thank you.

[A]

Is a little.

[B]

A little sharp. Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

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[A]

Okay. Yeah. I want to start us.

[B]

Yes. I thought I had been to every Thai place in town. I haven't been here though.

[A]

It's my favorite. Thai is often too spicy for me though. This curry is just right.

[B]

Do you need a ride home after I know your car was in the shop?

[A]

No, I got it back today. Thanks though.

[B]

Nice. Very typical conversation, right?

[A]

Yeah, absolutely. And we used all three and they do have such different functions. That's easy. So this first one you said, I thought I had been to every Thai place in town. I haven't been here though. And the intonation is very different. We're rising on. Haven't been here though. Haven't been down a long though. That's that first meaning of just to really contrast what's usual with what's happening today.

[B]

Yeah. You're also showing a sense of optimism in your voice. You're interested, you're excited to be somewhere new. There's a lot in there in that information, I think. Yeah, let's see. And then you said it's my favorite. Tai is often too spicy for me though. This curry is just right. And there is also a change in intonation there too.

[A]

Yeah, that's true. Right. You have to listen to kind of how our voices rise and fall. And this is that second use where we're saying what normally happens. Normally Thai is too Spicy for me. And then we say, though, this curry is just right.

[B]

Love it. And then we finished up with a kind of not accepting an invitation. What was it, Aubry?

[A]

Yeah. So you had offered me a ride home, thinking my car was in the shop. I said, oh, no, I got it back today. Thanks, though. And this is really, it's just a great, very native, natural way to show appreciation for the offer.

[B]

Yeah. Where should we leave our listeners? First of all, reminder to hit the follow button. Don't forget, don't finish the episode without doing that, guys. And then what do we want to say about contrasting as far as connecting?

[A]

Yeah. It is a great way to connect, to contrast something. Because whenever something is out of the ordinary, it can create an interesting conversation. You want to highlight it. Right. We have all of us kind of go through the humdrum of the day when there is a contrast. Oh, something's happening. That's very different from the dayto day. This is a great way to connect, to point it out.

[B]

That's actually a really good point. I love that point. Aubrey. Nuance. The interesting things in life are usually nuanced. Someone that never skipped school, but they did today. Right. Someone that follows a diet, but they decided to skip their diet plan today and go out of, you know, take, like, enjoy the day. These are interesting stories and moments to connect on.

[A]

So show anything out of the ordinary. We want to know why. Right. We find out more about someone. We find out that they left their normal routine. Routine for some reason.

[B]

Yeah. So it is. It's a key connection skill. And it's also just very natural. We use this all of the time. So I want our listeners to focus on really adopting this.

[A]

Yes, absolutely. Add this to your language. Start noticing it. You're going to hear it on tv, podcasts, conversations, day to day. We say it all the time.

[B]

All right, Aubry, you have a good day. I'll talk to you soon.

[A]

You too. Thanks, Lindsay.

[B]

Bye bye. Thanks for listening to all ears. English. Would you like to know your English level? Take our 2 minute quiz, go to allearsenglish.com fluencyscore and if you believe in connection, not perfection, then hit subscribe now to make sure you don't miss anything. See you next time.