Even

Even: Something Unusual or Surprising

Use even to show that something is unusual or surprising. It adds emphasis to the word or phrase that follows it.

• He always wears a coat, even in hot weather.
• The print was very small. I couldn’t read it, even with glasses.
• Nobody would help her, not even her best friend.

In each case, even signals that what comes next is unexpected. You would not normally need a coat in hot weather, or fail to read with glasses on.

Even with a Verb (Middle Position)

When even modifies the verb, place it in mid-position (before the main verb, after an auxiliary or be).

• She has travelled all over the world. She’s even been to the Antarctic.
• They are very rich. They even have their own private jet.

With negatives (not even, can’t even, don’t even), the meaning is stronger — the simplest thing is impossible or did not happen.

• I can’t cook. I can’t even boil an egg.
• They weren’t very friendly. They didn’t even say hello.
• She’s been running quite fast, and she’s not even out of breath.

Even + Comparative

Use even before a comparative adjective or adverb to make the comparison stronger.

• I got up very early, but Jack got up even earlier.
• I knew I didn’t have much money, but I have even less than I thought.
• We were surprised to get her email. We were even more surprised when she came to see us.

Even + comparative tells the listener that the second thing exceeds an already high (or low) level.

Even though / Even when / Even if

Use even though, even when, or even if + subject + verb to introduce a surprising or extreme condition.

• *Even though Tina can’t drive, she has a car.*
• He never shouts, even when he’s angry.
• It’s dangerous to swim here, even if you’re a strong swimmer.

Do not use even alone before subject + verb. You need even though, even when, or even if.

• *Even though she can’t drive, she has a car.* (not Even she can’t drive, she has a car.)
• I can’t reach the shelf, even if I stand on a chair. (not even I stand on a chair)

Even if vs. If

Even if means “it doesn’t matter whether this happens or not.” If means the result depends on the condition.

• We’re going to the beach tomorrow. We’re going even if the weather is bad. (= we’re going regardless)
• We want to go to the beach tomorrow, but we won’t go if the weather is bad. (= the weather decides)

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