🚫 “Although He Was Late, But He Still Passed”?

Why Only One Word Is Right — and How TOEIC Tests You

TOEIC loves to test the words that connect two ideas. These words show contrast, cause, result, or time order.
The most common trap? Using two in the same sentence — or picking the wrong one for the meaning.

1️⃣ The “Double Connection” Trap

Wrong:
Although he was late, but he still finished the project on time.

It sounds fine in conversation, but TOEIC will mark it wrong.
Why? “Although” and “but” both mean contrast. You only need one.

✅ Correct:

  • Although he was late, he still finished the project on time.

  • He was late, but he still finished the project on time.

2️⃣ TOEIC Style — Pick One Connector

Question:
_____ he was tired, he stayed late to help the team.
(A) Because
(B) Although
(C) Therefore
(D) So that

✅ Answer: (B) Although — The two ideas contrast: tired vs stayed late.

3️⃣ Think “Meaning First,” Not “Word Shape”

Forget the terms. Ask: What’s the relationship between the two ideas?

Cause → Result

Use: so, therefore, as a result
Example: She worked hard. Therefore, she got a promotion.

Contrast (Opposite Direction)

Use: but, although, even though
Example: He was tired, but he stayed to help.

Time Order

Use: then, afterwards, while
Example: I studied in the morning. Then I took a break.

Reason for Something

Use: because, since, as
Example: We understood the rules because he explained them clearly.

4️⃣ More TOEIC-Style Questions

Q1. We left early, _____ the heavy rain.
(A) because
(B) although
(C) so
(D) therefore
✅ Answer: (A) because — Rain is the reason we left.

Q2. She was nervous, _____ she gave a great presentation.
(A) because
(B) although
(C) so
(D) therefore
✅ Answer: (B) although — Nervous vs great presentation = contrast.

Q3. The meeting was delayed. _____, the report was still finished on time.
(A) Therefore
(B) Although
(C) Because
(D) While
✅ Answer: (A) Therefore — Delay caused no harm; result still positive.

Q4. _____ he explained the process, we understood it.
(A) Because
(B) Although
(C) Therefore
(D) So
✅ Answer: (A) Because — His explanation is the reason we understood.

5️⃣ Common TOEIC Mistakes

❌ Using two contrast words together:
Wrong: Although she was sick, but she came to work.
✅ Fix: Although she was sick, she came to work.

❌ Using a result word for contrast:
Wrong: He didn’t study. Therefore, he passed the test.
✅ Fix: He didn’t study. But he passed the test.

❌ Adding “so” after “because”:
Wrong: Because I was hungry, so I ate early.
✅ Fix: Because I was hungry, I ate early.
✅ Or: I was hungry, so I ate early.

📌 Strategy / Takeaway

  1. Read the sentence without the blank.

  2. Ask: Do these ideas go together (cause/result) or push against each other (contrast)?

  3. Pick one connector that matches the meaning.

  4. Never double up.

Final Word

TOEIC isn’t testing rare vocabulary here — it’s testing your logic. See the link between the two ideas first, and the right answer will be obvious.

For more strategies and resources to master TOEIC connector word traps, visit the English Library Collection and start locking in connector confidence today.

FAQ (EN) — Conjunctions / Transition Words Topic: Why “although but” is wrong, and how to choose the right connector Q: What’s the difference between although and but? A: Both show contrast, but you can only use one at a time. “Although” starts a sentence part, while “but” connects two complete ideas. Never use them together. Q: Can I use although and but in the same sentence? A: No. Using both is a common TOEIC mistake. Choose one to show contrast — not both. Q: Which is correct: although or however? A: Both can show contrast, but “although” is used inside a sentence, while “however” often starts a new sentence. TOEIC tests the difference. Q: When should I use however vs therefore? A: “However” shows contrast. “Therefore” shows result. If two ideas go in opposite directions, use “however.” If one causes the other, use “therefore.” Q: What’s the best way to use transition words in TOEIC? A: Focus on the meaning between ideas — are they opposite, connected, or cause and effect? Choose the word that fits the logic. Q: Can I use so and because together? A: No. “Because” gives a reason. “So” shows a result. Use one, not both. Q: How do I know when to use even though? A: Use “even though” when something happens despite a problem. It adds emotional strength to contrast, like “although.” Q: What’s the difference between because and so? A: “Because” explains why. “So” explains what happened as a result. TOEIC often flips these to trick you. Q: Is although the same as even though? A: Almost. “Even though” is stronger. Both show contrast, and TOEIC may test subtle differences. Q: Can I start a sentence with although? A: Yes, but make sure the second part completes the idea. “Although it was raining, we played soccer.” Q: Why is “although but” wrong in TOEIC? A: Because both words mean contrast. Using both is repeating the same idea — TOEIC marks it wrong. Q: What words show contrast in English? A: Common ones are: but, although, even though, however, yet. Know how to use each one clearly. Q: What’s the difference between so and therefore? A: Both show results. “So” is casual and used in the same sentence. “Therefore” is more formal and often starts a new sentence. Q: Can I say “but however” in the same sentence? A: No. Pick one — not both. They both show contrast, and using both is a mistake. Q: Which is stronger: although or but? A: “Although” is more formal and can start a sentence part. “But” is simpler. TOEIC focuses on which one fits the structure. Q: What’s the opposite of because? A: Not a direct opposite, but if “because” shows cause, then “so” or “therefore” shows the result. Q: How do I choose the right connector in TOEIC questions? A: Look at the logic. Does the second idea explain, contrast, or continue the first? The meaning tells you the answer. Q: What are the most common transition word traps in TOEIC? A: Using two words that mean the same thing (like “although but”), or picking a word that doesn’t match the meaning. Q: When do I use while vs although? A: “While” can show time or contrast. If the sentence compares two ideas, “while” can work like “although” — but check the meaning. Q: What’s the difference between despite and although? A: “Despite” is followed by a noun. “Although” is followed by a full sentence. TOEIC loves testing this.
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