Introduce Students to the Power of "Even"
"Even" may seem like a simple word at first, but a closer look reveals just how often it's used in daily conversation.
This time, we'll take a look at each of its meanings and usages before covering some of the idioms and common expressions you can introduce to your students. How many do they know?
The Basics
"Even" can be used in several ways, but one thing that's common across many of its uses is the idea of balance.
When 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. Make sure your students keep this idea in mind as you go over the example sentences for each usage.
As an Adjective
Flatness or smoothness
Surfaces that are smooth and items that are arranged in a straight line can be described as "even."
The chef spread an even amount of cheese on the pizza dough before adding toppings.
The pictures aren't even. Move the one on the right up a bit.
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.
Those two fighters are about the same size and have the same amount of experience, so it's an even match.
We all received an even split of the money.
Consistency
"Even" describes actions that happen continuously without major changes.
He ran the entire race at a smooth, even pace.
She is a popular English teacher because of her even tone and clear accent.
The opposite of this is "uneven," which can be used for physical surfaces or for figurative ideas.
The road through the woods is bumpy and uneven.
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 star athlete demanded an even number for his jersey.
The opposite of an even number is an "odd number" (1, 3, 5, etc.).
Everyone whose ticket has an odd number, please line up here.
As a Verb
To "even something out" means to make it smooth and flat. This can be used literally or figuratively.
Although our team was ahead at the start, the score began to even out as the match continued.
This report is good, but some sections need to be evened out before it's finished.
As an Adverb
Students may be most familiar with "even" as an adverb. In this form, the idea isn't balance, as with the adjective form.
Instead, the adverb form is used for emphasis because something is surprising, unexpected or extreme. Depending on how it's used, it can appear in different parts of a sentence.
Emphasis
Even Shelly liked the performance, and she usually hates opera.
(Shelly hates opera, so it's surprising that she would enjoy the opera performance.)
I have all of their music, even their rare, early records.
(The speaker's collection is complete enough to include items that are difficult to find.)
They left already? They didn't even say goodbye!
(Here, the speaker is surprised at her friends' behavior.)
Hey! Are you even listening to me?!
(In other words, "Pay attention!")
Comparisons
When comparing things, "even" emphasizes the difference between them. This usage comes before an adjective or adverb.
I thought my hometown was cold, but it's even colder here!
She's working even harder than I expected.
Extra information
"Even" can be used after a statement to add a bit of information or to say something more specifically.
That's a fantastic idea. Genius, even.
Other Uses
Even though
Meaning: "despite," "although"
I always get lost in the station even though I've been there many times.
Even so
Meaning: "however"
The weather forecast said it would be sunny today. Even so, I'm bringing an umbrella.
Even if
Usage: to describe a possibility that would not change a result or decision
Even if we left now, we would still be late.
I'll get the money, even if I have to work two jobs.
Be even
Meaning: a debt has been canceled, positions are equal
If you help me move my couch this weekend, then we're even.
(In this case, it means "You will no longer owe me a favor.")
Students may like to know that people sometimes add the rhyming word "Steven" to make this expression sound a little silly and less formal.
A
Here's that $5 I owe you. We're even now, right?
B
Yep, even Steven.
Get even
Meaning: to get revenge
I won't forget this! I'll get even with you for what you did!
For bargaining
When negotiating prices, "even" indicates a simpler number that's often lower than the original price.
They're $12 each, but you can have three for an even $30.
“I can’t even.”
Meaning: "I don't know what to say," "I don't know how to respond." [informal]
A
Congratulations! You're the employee of the year!
B
Oh my God! I can't even!
There's a huge spider in the bathroom! I can't even!
Wrap-up
As we've demonstrated here, "even" is a surprisingly useful word. In fact, English speakers say it many times a day without even realizing it.
Introduce your students to this subtle but powerful bit of vocabulary while making sure to give them plenty of chances to practice. Using it well can quickly make their conversations sound a bit looser and more natural.
