אף על פי ש־

Even Though in Careful Writing

Level 4

אף על פי ש means although or even though. It introduces a fact that contrasts with the other clause’s result or expectation.

How It Works

The Whole Connector

Keep אף על פי as separate words and attach ש to the first word of the clause: אף על פי שהייתי. The embedded clause can have an explicit subject or a personal verb form that identifies it.

What Is Being Contrasted?

The connector does not deny its clause. אף על פי שהחנות קטנה, יש בה הרבה ספרים affirms the small size and the many books. It signals that the second fact is contrary to a plausible expectation from the first.

Register and Alternatives

This connector is useful in careful speech and writing. למרות ש is another common clause connector. A noun phrase instead uses wording such as למרות הגשם. גם אם concerns a condition, so its clause need not report a fact already known to hold.

Examples (4)

  1. אף על פי שהייתי עייף, המשכתי לעבוד.

    Although I was tired, I kept working.

    The fatigue did not stop the work.

  2. היא הגיעה אף על פי שהיה מאוחר.

    She arrived even though it was late.

    The concession clause follows the main event.

  3. אף על פי שהחנות קטנה, יש בה הרבה ספרים.

    Although the shop is small, it has many books.

    Both facts are affirmed.

  4. נמשיך אף על פי שהדרך ארוכה.

    We will continue although the road is long.

    The stated obstacle contrasts with the decision.

Common Mistakes

  • Putting a bare noun after the clause connector.

    אף על פי שהגשם, יצאנו.
    אף על פי שירד גשם, יצאנו.

    Use a complete clause after אף על פי ש; for a noun phrase, say למרות הגשם.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

אף על פי ש־Level 4Even Though in Careful Writing

Learn This First

Compare a second finite concessive connector without changing the event relationship.