How to use the adverb EVEN (Sound like a native)

In this post, you will learn how to use the adverb EVEN in natural English conversation. Learn 2 ways to use this adverb with 12 real examples and 2 helpful infographics!

I was talking to my Canadian friend last week who also lives in Japan. We were talking about how hard many Japanese people work. They will not miss work, even if they are sick!

We often use the adverb even in natural conversation, so I thought it would make a nice blog post. It can help people who study English sound more natural. Please look at the examples below:

even (adverb)

(Definitions from Oxford Learner’s Dictionary)

used to emphasize something unexpected or surprising

I see the same woman doing yoga in the park every morning, even if it’s raining. (It’s surprising to see someone doing yoga in the park when it’s raining.)  

My whole family came to my birthday party! Even my brother who lives in Rio.  (I didn’t expect my brother to come from Brazil for my party.)

to make a comparison stronger

This new TV was only $850! It was even cheaper than I thought. (The price of the TV was much lower than I thought.)   

None of us could believe how great Jenna looked at the reunion. She was even more beautiful than we remembered. (Compared to our memories she was much more beautiful.)

We can use even before a verb

Mark loves to eat sushi, he even goes to the most expensive restaurant in Tokyo. Dinner at the restaurant is around $200! 

When I was young I collected comic books. I even had the first issue The X-men. 

We also say not even

Wade lost his wallet Friday night. He didn’t even have enough money for a subway ticket. He had to walk home, 18 km.

My arms are so tired from helping Trevor move yesterday. I can’t even lift my backpack today.

Much or Many? Learn here.

Check out my latest great English posts!

• Notice vs Notification vs Notify (Your best guide)August 23, 2023
  Have you ever confused these words? The meanings are similar but the word types and the word uses are different. These words are used … Read more
• Beat the Heat meaning (Plus more Heat Idioms just for you)August 16, 2023
  As the weather gets hotter, we get hotter too! This post will teach you some common English idioms about HEAT that you can use … Read more
• Autumn Or Fall? 4 Season Names (Learn their origins HERE)August 15, 2023
  What are the English names for the Four Seasons? Spring Summer Autumn/Fall Winter. The words 🌸Spring and 🌞Summer come from Old English. ⛄Winter comes … Read more
• PLAY DO and GO – Your Best Guide (with Video)August 2, 2023
  My student asked me if I “played Karate.” I knew what my student meant, but this is not a natural way to ask this … Read more
• Tired OF something or Tired FROM something? (Quiz, PDF, Video)July 28, 2023
  Do you know the difference between Tired OF and Tired FROM? Many of my blog post topics come from real student questions. This post is no different. … Read more