JLPT N2 reference · Formal connections

ものの

It concedes a fact before presenting an outcome that does not fully follow from it.

Core meaning and form

Attach ものの to a plain clause; nouns and な-adjectives often use であるものの. The pattern is more written and restrained than conversational けど.

Form: Attach ものの to a plain clause; nouns and な-adjectives often use であるものの.
Core use: It concedes a fact before presenting an outcome that does not fully follow from it.
Context: The pattern is more written and restrained than conversational けど.

薬を飲んだものの、熱は下がらなかった。Kusuri o nonda monono, netsu wa sagaranakatta.Although I took medicine, the fever did not fall.

参加すると言ったものの、自信がない。Sanka suru to itta monono, jishin ga nai.Although I said I would participate, I lack confidence.

便利ではあるものの、費用が高い。Benri dewa aru monono, hiyō ga takai.Although it is convenient, it is expensive.

Do not select this pattern from an English translation alone; check its attachment and discourse function.
Keep the surrounding sentence in a consistent plain, polite, spoken, or written register.

Attach ものの to a plain clause; nouns and な-adjectives often use であるものの.
It concedes a fact before presenting an outcome that does not fully follow from it.
The pattern is more written and restrained than conversational けど.