Even if it began

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Even if it began" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a hypothetical situation or condition that may not necessarily be true or relevant to the current context. Example: "Even if it began as a simple idea, it evolved into a complex project that required extensive planning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The origins of this sound practice are beyond the memory of any living New Yorker, but even if it began with Peter Minuit, its value continues to be proved every day.

The New York Times

The party's just starting at Louisville (22-7, 11-5), even if it began a little earlier than it should.

The New York Times - Sports

François Hollande's brush with record low approval ratings at home has accelerated the decline of French influence in Brussels, even if it began long before he took office.

The Economist

But nothing on this scale has yet happened, and Hirsch suggests that even if it began today, the necessary investments and infrastructure changes could not be made in time.

The Guardian - Business

In this decider, after two hours and 35 minutes were lost to rain between innings and the algorithms of Messrs Duckworth, Lewis and Stern turned 284 required from 50 overs into 192 from 26, the approach came off once more – even if it began with a wobble.

The Guardian - Sport

What's more, the Fed said last month that even if it began to cut back on bond purchases it would be in no hurry to raise its key short-term interest rate.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

We should cheer it, even if it begins in bad faith.

The Economist

The virus is active in 48 states, and even if it begins to taper off soon, another wave might hit us early next year.

The New York Times

Even if it begins with nothing more formalized than talking online with members of one's family about political choices.

Forbes

But even if I began with an attempt to remain faithful to the truth, I couldn't help veering off.

The New Yorker

Thanks to the pre-germinated seed laid by Seaward and his staff, the Olympic tennis tournament really can begin on Saturday, just as planned, even if it will begin without Rafael Nadal, who will not defend his men's singles title because of recurring knee problems.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Even if it began" to introduce a condition that might seem unlikely or irrelevant but still affects the main point of your sentence. It is useful for acknowledging potential counterarguments or alternative scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using "Even if it began" when discussing something that is definitively known. 'Even if' introduces uncertainty, so use it only for hypothetical or conditional situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Even if it began" functions as a subordinating conjunction, introducing a conditional clause. This clause sets up a hypothetical scenario. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Even if it began" is a grammatically sound conjunction phrase used to introduce hypothetical or conditional scenarios. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Although not exceedingly common, it finds utility across various writing styles, particularly in News & Media contexts, to acknowledge potential counterarguments or alternative origins. When employing this phrase, ensure you're dealing with uncertainty and not definitive facts. Alternatives such as "assuming it began" or "regardless of its beginning" can offer similar connotations. Consider using "Even if it began" to gracefully concede a point before pivoting to your main argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Assuming it began

Simplifies the phrase by removing 'even if', focusing solely on the assumption.

Even supposing it started

Replaces 'if' with 'supposing', which introduces a hypothetical condition.

Regardless of its beginning

Emphasizes that the outcome remains the same, no matter the origin.

Even on the assumption that it started

Adds a more formal tone by using 'on the assumption that' instead of 'if'.

Even if initially it was

Adds 'initially' to specify the starting phase of the condition.

Granting that it commenced

Uses 'granting that' and 'commenced' for a more formal and concessive tone.

Even should it have started

Uses 'should' to express a less probable condition.

Even if at first it seemed

Uses 'at first it seemed' to highlight an initial impression or appearance.

Even if its origin was

Reformulates the sentence to focus on the origin rather than the act of beginning.

Notwithstanding its start

Focuses on overlooking the start, irrespective of what it was.

FAQs

How can I use "Even if it began" in a sentence?

Use "Even if it began" to introduce a hypothetical or unlikely starting point, followed by its implications. For example, "Even if it began as a small project, it quickly grew in scope."

What can I say instead of "Even if it began"?

You could use alternatives such as "assuming it began", "regardless of its beginning", or "even supposing it started" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "Even if it was begun"?

"Even if it was begun" is grammatically correct but less common. "Even if it began" is more straightforward and generally preferred.

What is the difference between "Even if it began" and "Even though it began"?

"Even if it began" introduces a hypothetical condition, whereas "Even though it began" acknowledges something as a fact despite which something else is true. The former is conditional, the latter concessive.