but even

USAGE SUMMARY

"but even" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it as a transitional phrase to introduce a contrasting statement. For example, "I was excited to travel to Paris, but even more excited to explore the Louvre."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But even the C.B.O.

The New York Times

But even the I.M.F.

The New York Times

But even giants stumble.

The New Yorker

But even this is misleading.

Independent

But even ordinary commerce astounds.

The New Yorker

But even this isn't working.

The New York Times

But even that isn't enough.

The New York Times

But even here, interests diverge.

The Economist

But even that poses challenges.

The New York Times

But even that's a stretch.

The New York Times

But even that seemed morbid.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but even" to introduce a fact or situation that is surprising or unexpected given the preceding context. It's effective for highlighting contrasts or unexpected outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "but even" when a simple "but" suffices. "But even" is most effective when emphasizing surprise or unexpectedness, not merely introducing a different point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but even" functions as a transitional phrase, connecting two contrasting ideas. It emphasizes that the second idea is surprising or unexpected in light of the first. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but even" is a versatile conjunction used to introduce a surprising or contradictory element, highlighting an unexpected twist in a narrative. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media, adding emphasis and nuance. While suitable for various registers, it shines when emphasizing surprise or unexpectedness. Remember to reserve it for contrasts where the second point is genuinely surprising, not merely different. Alternatives like "however" or "even so" may be more appropriate for simple contrasts. Use it wisely to add impact to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even so

This implies that despite the previous statement, the following one remains valid.

and yet

This offers a direct and simple contrast, similar to "however".

yet still

This intensifies the contrast by highlighting that something persists despite expectations.

even then

This suggests that something is true despite a previous condition or event.

however

This alternative offers a simple contrast without emphasizing surprise.

nonetheless

Similar to "nevertheless", this emphasizes that the following statement holds true despite what precedes it.

nevertheless

This suggests a more formal concession before introducing the contrasting point.

in spite of that

This highlights that the following statement is true despite the preceding circumstance.

despite this

This clearly indicates a contrast with the preceding information.

that being said

A conversational transition indicating a shift in perspective or a contrasting point.

FAQs

How to use "but even" in a sentence?

"But even" is used to introduce a statement that is surprising or unexpected, given the preceding context. For example: "I expected him to be late, but even I was surprised when he didn't show up at all."

What can I say instead of "but even"?

You can use alternatives like "however", "yet still", or "even so" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "but even" instead of just "but"?

"But even" is more emphatic than a simple "but". Use it when you want to highlight the surprising nature of the contrast you're introducing. If you're just presenting a different point, "but" is sufficient.

Is there a difference between "but even" and "even though"?

Yes, "but even" introduces a surprising contrast to a previous statement, while "even though" introduces a concession or condition before stating a contrasting fact. They serve different rhetorical functions.