The Many Ways to Use "Even"
"Even" is a sneaky word. It seems very simple at first, but if you look closer, you'll realize just how much it is used in daily conversation. It also has a very wide variety of meanings; it can be an adjective, an adverb and even a verb!
This time, we'll take a look at how to use it in each of its forms before covering some of the idioms and common expressions it's used in. How many do you know?
The basics
"Even" can be used in several ways, but one thing that's common in many of its uses is the idea of balance.
When you are comparing two or more things, even is often used to represent those things reaching the same level, the same point or the same amount. This balance can be either literal or figurative. Keep this idea in mind as you read the example sentences for each usage.
As an adjective
Flatness or smoothness
Surfaces are even if they are smooth and don't have bumps or holes. Also, if different items are arranged to create a straight line, you can say they are even.
Equal in number, value, skill, etc.
Two or more people or things are even if they have the same value, the same level of skill, etc.
Consistency
Even is used to describe actions that happen continuously without big changes.
The opposite of this is "uneven," which can be used for physical surfaces or for figurative ideas.
For numbers
The numbers 2, 4, 6 and so on are called "even numbers." When even numbers are divided by 2, the result is two halves with the same value.
The opposite of an even number is an "odd number" (1, 3, 5, etc.).
As a verb
To "even something out" means to make it smooth and flat. This can be used literally or figuratively.
Here, "even out" means improving a section so that it matches the quality of other sections.
As an adverb
You may be most familiar with even as an adverb. In this form, the idea isn't balance, such as in its adjectival form. Instead, the adverb form is used for emphasis because something is surprising, unexpected or extreme.
Depending on how it's used, even can appear in different parts of a sentence.
Emphasis
Shelly hates opera, so it's surprising that she would enjoy the opera performance.
The speaker's collection is complete enough to include items that are difficult to find.
Here, the speaker is surprised at her friends' behavior.
In other words, "Pay attention!"
Comparisons
When comparing things, even is used to emphasize the difference between them. This usage comes before an adjective or adverb.
Extra information
Even can be used after a statement to add a little bit of information or to say something more specifically. This usage sounds slightly formal.
Other uses
Aside from the uses we've covered, even is also commonly used in idioms and casual expressions.
Even though
This is a less-formal way to say "despite."
Even so
"Even so" introduces information that goes against what has just been said. It's another way to say "however."
Even if
This phrase is used to describe a possibility that would not change a result or decision.
Be even
This is a very common casual expression that means a debt has been canceled and that one person no longer owes another person.
In this case, it means "You will no longer owe me a favor."
People sometimes add the rhyming word "Steven" to make this expression sound a little silly and less formal.
Get even
"Getting even" with someone means getting revenge on them!
For both "be even" and "get even," remember the idea of things being balanced. In the case of "get even," someone who is upset wants to make another person upset as well!
For bargaining
When negotiating prices, even is used to indicate a simpler number that is often lower than the original price.
“I can’t even.”
This slang phrase is used when someone is surprised by something and doesn't know how to respond to it. It's a shorter way of saying "I can't even think of what to say/do" or "I can't handle this situation." It can be used for both positive and negative events.
Wrap-up
Are you surprised by how many ways "even" can be used? Native speakers say it many times a day without realizing it. As you continue to practice English conversation, each of these usages will gradually become more familiar and natural to you. So keep speaking and you'll be able to master its many uses. Yes, even you!