Even so

USAGE SUMMARY

'Even so' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used when you want to emphasize that a situation is true despite everything else. For example: The team had a difficult season, but even so, they managed to make the playoffs.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even so, slim pickings.

The New Yorker

Even so, the O.C.C.

The New York Times

Even so, he's worried.

The New York Times

Even so, opinions abound.

The Economist

Even so it disappointed.

The Economist

Even so, two trucks.

Independent

Even so, opponents persist.

The New York Times

Even so, snags abound.

The Economist

Even so, the I.M.F.

The New York Times

Even so, he didn't win.

The New Yorker

Even so, MoveOn remains unapologetic.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "even so", ensure that the contrasting element is clear to the reader, preventing ambiguity and enhancing clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "even so" as a mere connector between sentences without a clear contrasting relationship. It should introduce a surprising or unexpected element given the preceding context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even so" functions as an adverbial conjunction, connecting two clauses and indicating a contrast or concession. It emphasizes that the second statement is true despite what was said before. Ludwig's examples showcase this contrastive function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0.1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "even so" is a versatile tool for indicating contrast or concession in writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted. With a neutral register, "even so" finds frequent application in news media and academic contexts, effectively connecting clauses and conveying an element of surprise or unexpectedness. While alternatives like "nevertheless" and "however" exist, "even so" carries a nuance of unexpectedness that distinguishes it. Remember to use it to introduce clear contrasting elements, avoiding simple addition, to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Nevertheless

Focuses more directly on negating the impact of the previous statement.

Nonetheless

Similar to 'nevertheless' but can feel slightly more formal.

However

A more general contrasting conjunction.

Still

Implies a continuation despite an obstacle.

Yet

Indicates contrast, often with an element of surprise.

All the same

Highlights that the previous point does not change the outcome.

In spite of that

Explicitly refers back to the previous situation being considered.

Despite this

Directly points out the contrast with what was previously stated.

That being said

Introduces a new perspective that acknowledges the previous point.

Be that as it may

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing concession.

FAQs

How can I use "even so" in a sentence?

"Even so" is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or qualifies the previous one. For example, "The task was difficult; "even so", we managed to complete it on time."

What are some alternatives to "even so"?

Alternatives include "nevertheless", "nonetheless", "however", "still", and "yet". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "even so" and "however"?

Both "even so" and "however" indicate contrast, but "even so" often implies a stronger sense of concession or unexpectedness compared to the more general contrast signaled by "however".

Is it correct to start a sentence with "even so"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "even so". This is a common way to introduce a contrasting point following a previous statement.