Even
The following is a mini-tutorial on the various uses of the word "even." After you have studied the tutorial, complete the associated exercises. If you already know how to use "even," you can skip the explanation and go directly to the exercises.
USE OF EVEN
When a strong statement is made, the statement is often followed with an example containing "even." The word "even" adds shock, surprise, or excitement to the example.
Examples:
- He loses everything. He even lost his own wedding ring!
- John has amnesia, and he can't remember anything about the past. He can't even remember his own name!
- He could become anything. He could even become President of the United States!
- I love that author, and I have all of his books - even the ones which are out of print.
Even Though / Even When / Even If
USE
"Even" can be combined with the words "though," "when" and "if." It emphasizes that a result is unexpected. Study the following examples and explanations to learn how these expressions differ.
Examples:
- Even though Bob studied very hard, he still failed his French tests.
- Even when Bob studied very hard, he still failed his French tests.
- Even if Bob studied very hard, he still failed his French tests.
- Jerry is never happy. Even though you do everything his way, he is still dissatisfied.
- Jerry is never happy. Even when you do everything his way, he is still dissatisfied.
- Jerry is never happy. Even if you do everything his way, he is still dissatisfied.
IMPORTANT
These expressions are not always interchangeable; the context of the sentence will affect your choice:
- "Even though" is used when something is always done or a fact is mentioned.
- "Even when" is used when something is occasionally done.
- "Even if" is used when something is rarely done or just imagined.
Examples:
- Even though the interview went terribly yesterday, Cheryl got the job. Correct
- Even when the interview went terribly yesterday, Cheryl got the job. Not Correct
- Even if the interview went terribly yesterday, Cheryl got the job. Correct
- Even though he wins the lottery jackpot, he won't have enough money to pay off his debt. Not Correct
- Even when he wins the lottery jackpot, he won't have enough money to pay off his debt. Not Correct
- Even if he wins the lottery jackpot, he won't have enough money to pay off his debt. Correct
REMEMBER
The meaning and context of the sentence is very important when deciding whether to use "even though," "even when" or "even if."
Even So
USE
"Even so" is very much like the word "but" or "however." "Even so" is different in that it is used with surprising or unexpected results.
Examples:
- She is loud and unfriendly. Even so, I like her.
- The bed is extremely large and heavy. Even so, Jim managed to carry it into the house by himself.
- Jane was sick for a couple days in Los Angeles. Even so, she said her trip to the United States was great.
Exercises