Even can be used as an adjective or an adverb. In this lesson we look at the adverb side of it, when it’s mainly used for emphasis. It can emphasize a word, a phrase or a clause beginning with a word like if, as or though.
Position of even
Even goes in mid position with the verb. If there is no auxiliary verb, it goes before the main verb.
- She even called me names. (NOT She called even me names.)
If there is an auxiliary verb, even goes after it.
- I don’t even know his name. (NOT I even don’t know his name.)
If the main verb is a form of be (is, am, are, was, were), even goes after it.
- China is even larger than India. (NOT China even is larger than India.)
- She is even taller than her husband.
Even now
Even now is used for saying that it is surprising that something still continues.
- Even now the practice of dowry exists in many parts of Asia.
Even then
This phrase is used for saying that something is surprising because it was supposed to be different.
Even as
This phrase is used to talk about two actions or events that are happening at the same time.
- Even as they discussed the merits and demerits of the project, people were protesting in the streets.
Even if
This phrase is used for emphasizing that a particular situation will remain the same no matter what happens.
- I’m determined to prove my innocence even if that means going to the highest court in the land.
- I’ll go even if you forbid me to.
The structure even though means exactly the same.
- I’ll go even though you forbid me to.
Even so
Even so means in spite of that. This expression is used for introducing a statement that might seem surprising after what you have said before.
- The tickets were expensive, but, even so, the match was worth watching.