an even break

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an even break" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a fair or equal opportunity or outcome in a situation. Example: "In negotiations, both parties should aim for an even break to ensure a successful agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Why should he get an even break?

The New York Times

A. "Never give a sucker an even break" is the pertinent expression.

The New York Times

Few are more deserving of an even break this weekend than he.

The Guardian - Sport

By John Cassidy July 12 , 2012Never give a sucker an even break!

The New Yorker

We'll give everybody an even break: it's latitude 40 degrees, 41 minutes, 49 seconds.

The New Yorker

Amla is not a batsman to give a sucker an even break.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Be careful when swinging, you can pull a muscle or even break a tendon.

WikiHow

Before a wolf even breaks into a trot they will survey a musk ox herd to assess the risk.

BBC

Nowadays, an app bug can even break your shoes.

The Washington Post

Uehara doesn't even break a sweat.

The Guardian - Sport

Someday he might even break a sweat.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an even break" to advocate for fairness and equal opportunities, especially when discussing competitive situations or resource allocation.

Common error

Avoid implying that "an even break" guarantees a positive outcome. It simply means that everyone has the same initial opportunity, not that everyone will achieve the same results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an even break" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a state of fairness or equality in opportunity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

4%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an even break" is a common noun phrase that expresses the concept of fairness and equal opportunity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, remember that it refers to the starting conditions, not a guaranteed outcome. Alternatives include ""a fair chance"" or ""a level playing field"". Be mindful of the context to ensure the phrase aligns with your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fair chance

Focuses on the opportunity aspect, implying everyone involved has a reasonable possibility of success.

a level playing field

Emphasizes that the conditions are the same for all participants, removing advantages or disadvantages.

equal opportunity

Highlights the principle of non-discrimination and providing the same prospects to everyone.

a square deal

Indicates honesty and fairness in a transaction or agreement.

a fair shake

Similar to a fair chance, but often implies overcoming existing disadvantages.

equal terms

Stresses that all parties are subject to the same rules and conditions.

equitable treatment

Highlights the just and impartial handling of individuals or groups.

a balanced approach

Implies considering all sides and factors to ensure fairness in decision-making.

just consideration

Focuses on carefully assessing all aspects before arriving at a fair conclusion.

impartial judgment

Stresses the absence of bias and prejudice in evaluation or decision.

FAQs

How can I use "an even break" in a sentence?

You can use "an even break" to express the need for fair and equal opportunities. For example, "The new policy aims to give everyone "an even break" in the job market".

What are some alternatives to saying "an even break"?

Alternatives to "an even break" include "a fair chance", "a level playing field", or "equal opportunity", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a even break" instead of "an even break"?

No, the correct article to use before "even" is "an" because "even" begins with a vowel sound. Therefore, the correct phrase is ""an even break"".

What's the difference between "an even break" and "a lucky break"?

"An even break" refers to a fair or equal opportunity, while "a lucky break" refers to an unexpected stroke of good fortune. They are not interchangeable.