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

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

Some words are used to connect ideas. They show contrast, cause, result, or time.
In everyday English, we say things like:

  • “He was tired, but he kept working.”

  • “She studied hard. As a result, she passed the test.”

  • “I like him, although he’s a bit arrogant.”

TOEIC loves testing these kinds of words.
But the most common mistake? 👉 Using two of them in one sentence — or picking the wrong one for the meaning.

❌ Common TOEIC Trap: Doubling Up

Here’s what a TOEIC sentence might look like:

“Although he was late, but he still finished the project on time.”

This looks okay. It sounds like something you might hear in conversation.
But it’s WRONG — because you can’t use both.

TOEIC wants you to notice that although and but mean the same thing: 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.”

Pick one — not both.

🎯 TOEIC Style Question

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

You’re showing contrast — he was tired, but he helped anyway.
✅ The right answer is (B) Although.

🧠 Meaning Is More Important Than Grammar

Forget grammar terms. Just ask: What’s the connection between the two ideas?

Here’s how to think about it:

  • If the first idea is the reason, and the second is the result → use words like so, therefore, or as a result
    Example: She worked hard. Therefore, she got a promotion.

  • If the two ideas contrast each other → use words like but, although, or even though
    Example: He was tired, but he stayed to help.

  • If the sentence is about time order → use words like then, afterwards, or while
    Example: I studied in the morning. Then I took a break.

  • If you’re giving a reason for something → use words like because, since, or as
    Example: We understood the rules because he explained them clearly.

The trick is to spot the meaning — not the word form.

🚨 Watch Out for These Mistakes

❌ Using “but” and “although” 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.

❌ Using “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.

🔍 TOEIC Tip: Check the Logic

If the sentence shows:

  • 🤝 Same direction (cause → result): Use words like so, therefore, as a result

  • ⚡️ Opposite direction (contrast): Use but, although, even though

  • ⏰ Time sequence: Use then, afterwards, while

  • 🎯 Reason: Use because, since, as

Don’t guess based on sound — read for meaning.

✅ Key Takeaway

TOEIC isn’t testing rare words — it’s testing your logic.

Whenever you see a blank and four transition words, ask:

❓ Do these ideas go together, or do they push against each other?

Once you know that, you’ll know the answer.

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.