I really even

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I really even" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It can be used in informal contexts where emphasis is needed, but it is generally better to rephrase for clarity. Example: "I really even thought you would show up to the party."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

So do I really even need an A.T.M.? A lot of people still do, it seems.

The New York Times

I remember looking around at my fellow democratic socialists and wondering whether I really even belonged there.

The New Yorker

Paul Simon – The Obvious Child I loved this before I really even knew what music was.

The Guardian - Music

Although I can't say I really even remember the last time I had to use a VGA port, I have fond memories of this venerable graphics standard.

TechCrunch

But I don't even know if I really even want to go to college.

Vice

I sat there wondering if I really even liked football, or if it was just a bridge to baseball season, a reason to waste a Sunday.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"I never really even hear these views, mainly because I don't have much time for the internet," he says.

The Guardian - Music

Is anyone really even doubting the Giants?

The New York Times

Is that really even a question?

Huffington Post

"I never really even thought about it.

The New York Times - Sports

I never really even had to think or debate about it".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I really even", consider whether "really" adds meaningful emphasis or if the sentence is clearer without it. In many cases, omitting "really" enhances readability.

Common error

Avoid using "really even" frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Vary your expressions to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I really even" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to add emphasis or indicate the degree to which something is true or surprising. Ludwig indicates that while understandable, it is not always the most elegant phrasing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I really even" functions as an adverbial phrase used to add emphasis or convey surprise. Ludwig suggests it's an acceptable but not always the most elegant choice. It appears mostly in news and media contexts, indicating a relatively informal register. While understandable, it's often better to rephrase for clarity. Consider alternatives like "I truly even" or "I honestly even" to add emphasis without sounding repetitive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I truly even

Replaces "really" with "truly" to provide a more formal or emphatic tone.

I honestly even

Substitutes "really" with "honestly" to emphasize sincerity.

I actually even

Uses "actually" in place of "really" to highlight surprise or unexpectedness.

I seriously even

Replaces "really" with "seriously" to intensify the statement.

I genuinely even

Employs "genuinely" to convey a sense of authenticity.

I legitimately even

Uses "legitimately" to emphasize the validity of the statement.

I sincerely even

Replaces "really" with "sincerely" for a more heartfelt expression.

I indeed even

Substitutes "really" with "indeed" for a more formal or affirmative tone.

I literally even

Uses "literally" in place of "really" to highlight the literal nature of the statement.

I certainly even

Replaces "really" with "certainly" to express confidence or assurance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase a sentence that uses "I really even"?

You can often remove "really" without changing the core meaning, or use alternatives such as "I truly even" or "I honestly even" to add emphasis.

Is "I really even" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "I really even" is not considered the most elegant phrasing. It's often better to rephrase for clarity and impact.

What does "I really even" emphasize in a sentence?

The phrase "I really even" is used to add emphasis or highlight the unexpectedness of a situation or feeling.

Are there contexts where "I really even" is more appropriate?

The phrase "I really even" is generally more appropriate in informal speech or writing. In formal contexts, consider using more precise and sophisticated language.