Lesson

Even

Using even for emphasis

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

What does "even" do?

"Even" is an adverb used for emphasis or contrast. It highlights something unexpected, surprising, or extreme. It can modify a word, phrase, clause, or a whole sentence.

  • "Even" usually appears directly before the word or phrase it emphasizes.
  • It can introduce contrast: "even though" (real concession) and "even if" (hypothetical).
  • "Even so" is a linking phrase meaning "nevertheless" or "however".

Table

Common Uses of "even"

Use Meaning Example
Before the emphasized word Highlights an unexpected element She even checked the contract twice.
Before comparatives or modals Adds emphasis to the comparison or possibility He is even taller than his brother.
"Even though" (concession) Shows contrast with a real fact Even though it rained, the event continued.
"Even if" (hypothetical) Shows contrast with a hypothetical condition Even if you disagree, state your reasons calmly.
"Even so" (linker) Means 'nevertheless' or 'however' The figures are low. Even so, we must act.

Tip

Key rule: Position of "even"

"Even" goes directly before the word or phrase it emphasizes.

  • Before a subject: "Even John agreed."
  • Before a verb or auxiliary: "She even called me." or "He even can help."
  • Before an object: "They welcomed even new clients."

If you move 'even' away from the emphasized element, meaning can change or become unclear.

Example

Examples in context

Even the junior analyst noticed the discrepancy.

She even offered to work on the weekend to finish the project.

Even if the client disagrees, we must present our proposal clearly.

The presentation was late; even so, the board approved the budget.

Tip

Common mistakes with "even"

Learners often misplace 'even' or confuse related phrases.

  • Putting 'even' after the verb: incorrect — "She called even me." (better: "She even called me.")
  • Using 'even if' when the fact already happened (use 'even though' instead): wrong: "Even if it rained, the event continued." (if it did rain, prefer 'even though').
  • Placing 'even' at the end of the sentence instead of before the emphasized word.

Remember: place 'even' right before the emphasized element; choose 'even though' for real facts and 'even if' for hypothetical situations.

Quiz

Choose the sentence in which 'even' is used correctly:

Hint: Where should 'even' be placed to emphasize the action?

Quiz

Complete: _____ she was tired, she finished the report.

Hint: Think about a phrase used to introduce a real contrast or concession.

Quiz

Which sentence uses a contrasting connector correctly with 'even'?

Hint: Decide whether the sentence describes a real past fact or a hypothetical condition.

Key Points

Vocabulary

even

adverb CEFR B1 //ˈiːvən//

used for emphasis to show that something is surprising or extreme

She even attended the evening meeting to support the proposal.

GrammarPoint

even though

conjunction CEFR B2 //ˌiːvən ˈðəʊ//

introduces a contrast with a real or factual circumstance (concession)

Even though sales dropped, the company increased investment in training.

GrammarPoint

even if

conjunction CEFR B2 //ˌiːvən ˈɪf//

introduces a hypothetical or conditional situation (not necessarily true)

Even if the client rejects the offer, we will learn from the feedback.

Expression

even so

expression (linker) CEFR B2 //ˈiːvən səʊ//

a linking phrase meaning 'nevertheless' or 'however'

The budget was small; even so, the team delivered excellent results.

GrammarPoint

placement rule for 'even'

grammar_point CEFR B1 //ˈpleɪsmənt ruːl//

rule: 'even' must be placed directly before the element it emphasizes

He even offered a discount to secure the contract.