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Even

Even is an adverb.

We use even to refer to something surprising, unexpected, unusual or extreme:

  • He didn’t even have enough money to pay the rent.
  • You love me, even after the terrible things I’ve done?
  • I’d never been abroad before, so it was a wonderful gift. I didn’t have to pay for anything. When we got to the airport at Stansted, she’d even arranged for the captain to escort me on to the plane. It was a treat I will always remember.

Even: position​

When even refers to a whole clause or sentence, we usually put it in the normal mid position for adverbs, between the subject and the main verb, after the modal verb or first auxiliary verb, or after be as a main verb:

  • You can take an online course now and you even do the test online.
  • I haven’t even started making dinner.
  • It’s a really useful book if you’re interested in cameras. There’s even a chapter on buying second-hand ones.

We can put even or not even before the part of the clause or sentence we want to focus on:

  • Even a five-year-old can see that these figures don’t add up.
  • They came in cars, in lorries, and even an aeroplane.
  • [talking about a local swimming pool]
  • It’s not usually too busy. Not even at weekends.

We sometimes put even at the end of a clause or sentence in informal speaking.

Compare

I can’t remember him at all. I’ve even forgotten what he looks like.typical position
I can’t remember him at all. I’ve forgotten what he looks like even.more informal, used in speaking
See also
  • Adverbs and adverb phrases: position

Even and comparatives​

We often use even with comparative adjectives and adverbs to add more emphasis:

  • It is six years since U2 played in Belfast in 1987 on their world-conquering Joshua Tree tour. Since then they have become even bigger and richer, and their concerts even more popular.
  • [talking about a footballer]
  • Frank played well last season and this season he has played even better.

Even and also

Even and also are both adverbs.

We use even to add emphasis or more information to a surprising or unexpected thing:

  • Human beings, we are told, will live for 150, even 200 years, by the end of the century.

We use also to add a new piece of information, without the suggestion that it is surprising:

  • She was a very beautiful girl. She was also very bright and excelled at everything she did.
  • Not: She was even very bright …

Compare

He gave her a cake with 26 candles on. He even sang ‘Happy Birthday’.The fact that he sang ‘Happy Birthday’ was unexpected.
He gave her a cake with 26 candles on. He also sang ‘Happy Birthday’.He did two things: he gave her a cake and he sang.
See also
  • Even
  • Also, as well or too?
  • As well (as)

Even though and even if​

We can use even with though and if.

Even though means the same as although, ‘in spite of the fact that’. We use it to say that something may not be what we expect. Even though gives more emphasis than although:

  • [talking about a football team]
  • I think they’re fantastic, even though they haven’t won any games this season.

We use even before if to refer to a possible unexpected or extreme event:

  • I’m still going to go swimming in the sea even if it rains. (I don’t expect rain but it is possible.)
  • I’ve got to get home even if it means flying the plane myself. (I’ve got to get home and I’ll do anything to get there.)
See also
  • Although or though?
  • If

Even so​

We use even so to make a contrast, to mean ‘despite something’. It has a similar meaning to however or nevertheless.

It is most common in front position in the clause but we can also use it in end position. It often occurs after but:

  • Their holiday went well but, even so, they longed to be home again with the children.
  • [parent to child, getting into a car]
  • You do need your seatbelt on. Put it on please. I know it’s not very far, but even so. If we have an accident you’ll need it.
  • I know you don’t like her, but you should say hello to her even so.