Understanding the usage of Even in English from A-Z & practicing exercises

Don't you often confuse Even with some similar words like Even so, Even though, Even if, Even as,...? So what is Even in English? How to distinguish the usages of the words above? In today's article, PREP will provide you with very clear answers. Check it out right now!

I. What is Even in English?

What is Even in English? According to the Cambridge Dictionary, Even functions as an adverb, used to show that something is surprising, unusual, unexpected, or extreme:

• It's a very difficult task - it might even take a month to finish it. 
• Mai has always been very kind to me, even when I made a mistake. 

II. Some words and phrases associated with Even in English

So what meanings are created when Even is combined with other words and phrases? Let's explore with PREP in the table below!

III. The usage of Even in English

So how can Even be used? Is Even only used as an adverb? Let's explore the detailed usage of Even in English with PREP below along with detailed examples!

1. Even functions as an adverb

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, when Even functions as an adverb, it is used to show that something is surprising, unusual, unexpected, or extreme. For example:

• Jack didn’t even have enough money to pay for the jacket. 
• Linda loves him, even after the terrible things he has done? 

2. Even is used in comparative sentences.

We often use Even in sentences with comparative adjectives and adverbs to emphasize comparisons. For example:

• When I was your age, I used to study even more than you do. 
• Rossi looked even prettier now than when she was 30. 

IV. Distinguishing between Even, Even though, Even when, and Even if

As mentioned earlier, Even is often confused with some words like Even though, Even when, Even if. So how can we differentiate between them? Let's explore their meanings, usages, and examples with PREP below!

Similarities: Even, Even though, Even when, and Even if are all used to express a contrasting meaning.

Differences:

V. Exercises on Even in English with answers

The previous section provided complete and detailed theoretical knowledge about Even in English by PREP, but "learning must go with practice". Below, PREP has provided two exercises for practice - please try your best to do them yourself, and then check the answers below!

1. Exercises

Exercise 1: Choose the correct answer:

1. ______ a child can understand how to use a computer.
   1. Even
   2. Even though
   3. Even when
2. ______ it was raining heavily, they decided to go swimming.
   1. Even
   2. Even though
   3. Even when
3. ______ he's exhausted, he never gives up on his task.
   1. Even
   2. Even though
   3. Even when
4. ______ I had all the money in the world, I wouldn't buy that expensive house.
   1. Even if
   2. Even as
   3. Even now
5. ______ he was struggling with his headache, he managed to maintain a positive attitude.
   1. Even as
   2. Even now
   3. Even though
6. ______, years later, the pain of that loss is still with her.
   1. Even when
   2. Even as
   3. Even now

Exercise 2: Rewrite the following sentence using: even, even so, even though, even if:

1. He hates dogs. Despite what I just said, he has two! (even so)
2. If surprisingly Lucy came to the party, John still wouldn’t be happy. (even if)
3. He doesn't drink tea, despite the fact that he is English. (even though)
4. If, surprisingly Kate fails the exam, she will still be eligible for the local university. (even if)
5. New York City is surprisingly bigger than London. (even)
6. She eats very healthily. Despite what I just said, she still gets ill a lot. (even so)
7. He wasn’t wearing a coat, despite the fact that it was really cold. (even though)
8. James is surprisingly taller than his brother. (even)
9. They missed the train despite the fact that they left very early. (even though)
10. If I had plenty of money, I wouldn’t buy a Porsche. (even if)

2. Answer

PREP hopes that through this article, you all have understood the meaning and usage of Even in English. Let’s follow PREP to get updates on many useful English knowledge!