The Rainy Day Surprise – Learn How to Use “Although,” “Though,” “But,” and “However” in English

📍 Introduction:Looking for a fun way to improve your English?

In this post, you'll enjoy a heartwarming story and learn how to use important linking words like although, though, but, and however. Perfect for Pre-Intermediate and above!

How to Use Although, Though, But, However

🌧️ Story: The Rainy Day Surprise

Mia had been looking forward to Saturday all week. She and her best friend Leila had finally found a free day to enjoy a picnic together.

Although the weather forecast mentioned possible rain, they decided not to cancel their plans.

That morning, Mia packed homemade sandwiches, fresh fruit, and lemonade. Leila brought a big picnic blanket and her portable speaker. Although the sky looked a little grey, they were both in high spirits.

They arrived at the park just before noon and found a quiet spot under a large oak tree. Though the wind was a bit chilly, the girls laughed, played their favourite songs, and even danced barefoot on the grass.

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Learn Grammar Through Stories - How to Use Although, Though, But, However

👉The Rainy Day Surprise https://youtu.be/8PitcjPbNe0 

After lunch, they lay back on the blanket and watched the clouds drift across the sky. “Looks like rain,” Leila said.“Maybe,” Mia replied, “but I hope it holds off a little longer.”

A few minutes later, the first raindrops fell. At first, they just giggled and tried to cover their food. However, the light rain quickly turned into a downpour. They packed everything up in a hurry and ran toward the nearest café, soaked and laughing.

The café was warm and smelled like fresh bread and coffee. It was small and cosy, with soft music playing in the background. However, every table was full.

“Let’s wait a few minutes,” Mia suggested. “Someone might leave soon.”

Just then, a man sitting alone by the window smiled and said, “You can share my table, if you don’t mind.” He introduced himself as Jonas, a travel photographer who had just returned from a trip to Iceland.

Although he was a stranger, he had a kind face and an interesting way of telling stories.Over hot chocolate and cake, Jonas told them about frozen waterfalls, the northern lights, and a beach with black sand. The girls listened with wide eyes, completely forgetting about the rainy day.

When they finally left the café, the rain had stopped, and the sun was peeking through the clouds. “That was unexpected,” Leila said.

“Though we didn’t have our picnic, we had an amazing afternoon,” Mia added.

“But next time, we’re checking the weather properly,” Leila laughed.

“However, sometimes surprises are better than plans,” Mia said with a smile.

💡 Vocabulary Practice

Word	Meaning
forecast	a weather prediction
cosy	warm and comfortable
downpour	heavy rain
soaked	very wet
giggled	laughed in a soft way
stranger	someone you don’t know

🧠 Reading Comprehension Questions

🗣️Practise saying your answers out loud.

Answer the questions in full sentences.

1. Why did Mia and Leila go to the park even though the weather looked bad?

2. What did they bring for the picnic?

3. What happened after lunch?

4. Why couldn’t they sit in the café at first?

5. Who helped them, and what did he do for a living?

6. How did the girls feel at the end of the day?

📘 Grammar Explanation: although, though, but, however

These four words are all used to show contrast, but they are used in slightly different ways.

1. Although (conjunction)

• Used at the beginning or middle of a sentence.

• Followed by a subject + verb.

Example:

• Although it was raining, we went outside.

• We went outside although it was raining.

✅ Formal and common in written English.

2. Though (conjunction or adverb)

• Similar to "although," but more informal.

• Can also be used at the end of a sentence (as an adverb).

Examples:

• Though I was tired, I went to the party.

• I went to the party. I was tired, though.

✅ Common in spoken English.

3. But (coordinating conjunction)

• Connects two contrasting ideas in one sentence.

Example:

• I wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining.

✅ Very common in both spoken and written English.

4. However (conjunctive adverb)

• Used to connect two sentences or independent clauses.

• Often used with a comma or between semicolons.

Example:

• It started to rain. However, we stayed at the park.

• She studied hard; however, she didn’t pass the test.

✅ More formal; often used in essays and writing.

💬 Real-Life Example Sentences

• Although I don’t like coffee, I sometimes drink it when I’m really tired.

• I love spicy food. Though, I can’t eat too much of it.

• We wanted to watch a movie, but the tickets were sold out.

• He studied for the exam. However, he didn’t feel confident.

📝 ESL Worksheet: The Rainy Day Surprise

✨ Story Recap

📚 Vocabulary Practice

Match the words to their meanings.

Word	Meaning
1. forecast	a. the smell of fresh food or drink
2. cosy	b. a prediction about the weather
3. downpour	c. heavy rain
4. soaked	d. very comfortable and warm
5. giggled	e. laughed in a soft or silly way
6. stranger	f. someone you don’t know

Answers:1 – b  2 – d  3 – c  4 – a  5 – e  6 – f

✏️ Grammar Focus: Although, Though, But, However

Choose the correct word to complete each sentence:

❓Multiple Choice Quiz

1. ______ it was raining, they continued to play music.

a) But b) Although c) However d) Because

👉 Scroll down for answers!

2. She didn’t have an umbrella. ______, she stayed in the park.

a) However b) But c) Though d) Because

3. They were cold, ______ they were still smiling.

a) However b) Although c) But d) Because

4. I liked the movie. I didn’t like the ending, ______.

a) but b) though c) however d) although

5. ______ the café was full, they waited patiently.

a) Though b) But c) However d) Because

📌 Quiz Answers

1. Although

2. However

3. But

4. Though

5. Though

✍️ Writing Activity

Write a short paragraph (4–5 sentences) about a time something didn’t go as planned, but it still turned out well.

Try to use at least two of the following: although, though, but, however.

.........................................................

.........................................................

.........................................................

.........................................................

.........................................................

🔤 Grammar Lesson: Although / Though / But / However

Learn how to show contrast in English using these words!

Word	Function	Example
although	conjunction (formal)	Although it rained, we stayed outside.
though	conjunction or adverb	It was cold. I liked it, though.
but	coordinating conjunction	It’s late, but I’m not tired.
however	conjunctive adverb	It’s raining. However, we went out.

☕ Wrap-Up

Learning English can be as cosy and delightful as a warm café on a rainy day.

We hope this lesson brightened your mood and helped you learned

how to use although, though, but and however.

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