if even vs even if

Both "if even" and "even if" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Even if" is a conjunction used to introduce a condition that is unlikely or contrary to fact, while "if even" is used to emphasize the improbability of a situation.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 2608 views

if even

This phrase is correct and is used to emphasize the improbability of a situation.

The phrase "if even" is used to emphasize that something is unlikely or unexpected. It is often used to express surprise or disbelief.

Examples:

If even John couldn't solve the problem, then it must be really difficult.
I can't believe that, if even the experts failed, we have a chance to succeed.
If even the weather forecasters got it wrong, what hope do we have of predicting the weather?
If even she couldn't persuade him, then no one can.
If even the teacher didn't know the answer, it must be a really tough question.

Show examples from the web [+]

Well, if even at the City Hall...
Imagine the flood if even only 10 percent of these people are carrying.
Ask him if even the institution of marriage is completely free from it.
I began to realize that if even you thought I should take the high road, that was probably the right choice.
If even happy people cheat, what is it about?
If even you had doubts, the Sheriff's men... they'll be a pushover.
ICS or no ICS, if even one word of this gets to Bombay...
Well, if even at the City Hall...
You realize that if even one event is proved to be a this whole experiment will be questioned.
But this one lock has over 100 million combinations and an alarm that trips if even one digit is input incorrectly.
It would be disastrous if even one Member State stepped out of line, and this does not just refer to countries in the euro area.
But if even for a moment I sense that you are leading either of my children into the darkness, not even Saint Christopher will be able to save you.
Clearly, therefore, at a time of change such as this, if even the low cost sectors are damaged by agricultural policy interventions, there is certainly going to be some concern in the world of agriculture.
There are still a huge number of uncertainties and if even the European Commission is uncertain, why should Parliament give its approval at this moment in time?
According to the fourth subparagraph of Article 4(5), by contrast, if even only one competent Member State disagrees, no referral will take place from any Member State.
One thing, though, will be apparent from Mr Brok's resolution, and that is that if even one word of the joint statement is called into question or broken, then the Interinstitutional Agreement, too, lapses and is broken.
Even... even with all my genius, I couldn't begin to imagine the chaos if even one more person used this.
We have been given repeated assurances that the Treaty of Lisbon cannot enter into force if even one country has rejected it, yet what did Mr Pöttering write in his statement of 13 June?
Because if even one of you takes a single step against my father, we are all dead!
If even one of them can make it back alive.

Alternatives:

even if
if
even though
even in the unlikely event that
if it turns out that

even if

This phrase is correct and is used to introduce a condition that is unlikely or contrary to fact.

The phrase "even if" is used as a conjunction to introduce a hypothetical situation that is unlikely or contrary to fact. It implies that the condition mentioned is not a barrier to the action or outcome.