The word 'though'

blade · Mar 10, 2009

I use this word a lot... 'not for me though' ' the trouble was though'. Any ideas about any better ways to say it, or just cut it out altogether?

IceCreamEmpress · Mar 10, 2009

Cut it out where it's not necessary, leave it where it is necessary. You could probably cut it out of both of those sentence fragments in most contexts, but there are some contexts where it would be necessary to convey your meaning.

Try the sentences both ways and see if it works without the "though". It is often overused.

Wayne K · Mar 10, 2009

I'm a "though" freak myself. Sometimes I have to change an entire paragraph to remove it....

blade · Mar 10, 2009

IceCreamEmpress said:
Cut it out where it's not necessary, leave it where it is necessary. You could probably cut it out of both of those sentence fragments in most contexts, but there are some contexts where it would be necessary to convey your meaning.

Try the sentences both ways and see if it works without the "though". It is often overused.

Thank you.

The Lonely One · Mar 10, 2009

It seems transitional in that example since it gives a context and connects it to the previous sentence (whatever sentence that is). "I have no problem with shooting babies out of cannons. It's not for me, though." It makes the sentence an exception of the previous one. Without 'though' it stands more clearly as its own sentence. Though

)) for all intensive purposes it reads the same. For a tighter read you might cut "though."

morningsong · Mar 10, 2009

Sometimes you can replace it with 'however'.

qwerty · Mar 10, 2009

And you could lessen the thoughs by using a few buts.

But it's not for me to say.

However, I think, if you do use though, it needs a comma before it.

I may be wrong, though.

Neversage · Mar 10, 2009

I see though as having two functions:

Primarily it notes a clarification. "I try to be up at six AM. I have been known to sleep in on Sundays, though.

It can also add some extra emphasis. "Take this path through the forest. You best be on your guard." Is cleaner.
"Take this path through the forest. You best be on your guard, though." Gives a little more weight to the warning.

The word 'though'

blade

IceCreamEmpress

Hapless Virago

Wayne K

blade

The Lonely One

Why is a raven like a writing desk?

morningsong

qwerty

exiled Brit

Neversage

Part of the Scenery