Section: Writing and Language

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Choose the word that best fits in the underlined portion of the sentence in paragraph 5:

In addition, John Paul II chose not to end the discipline of mandatory priestly celibacy, although in a small number of unusual circumstances, he did allow certain married clergymen of other Christian traditions who later became Catholic to be ordained as Catholic priests.

1. although
2. however
3. especially
4. occasionally

Answer 1 is the best choice due to sound, context, and meaning.

Why would we suggest although rather than however:

Both words are similar in meaning. Although means “in spite of the fact that…”. However means “but”. In general, we use “however” at the beginning of a new sentence, with a comma after it. “Although” can be used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence, but it doesn’t have a comma afterwards.