even at that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "even at that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a fact or opinion that is true even when other considerations are taken into account. For example, "Even at that, I don't think the decision is a wise one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many gay leaders chafe even at that.

The New York Times

"I was cynical even at that age".

The New York Times

But even at that lower level, ecological effects remain severe.

Yale University

Even at that price, it was no bargain.

The New York Times

Relegation, even at that stage, was a distinct possibility.

Independent

But even at that level, is electricity the real problem?

The Economist

Yet even at that price, its valuation lagged competitors.

The New York Times

And even at that they are not efficient.

The New York Times

Even at that hour, we attracted an audience.

The New York Times

Yet even at that time, such social activism provoked controversy.

The Guardian

Even at that time, she was a good speaker.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "even at that" to introduce a somewhat surprising or unexpected consequence, condition, or statement in relation to what was previously mentioned.

Common error

Avoid using "even at that" when a stronger contrasting conjunction like "but" or "however" would be more appropriate, especially when the contrast is very direct and not unexpected. "Even at that" works best when there's a nuance of surprise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even at that" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause or sentence by introducing a contrasting or qualifying element. As Ludwig examples show, it concedes a previous point before presenting a contrasting one.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "even at that" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to introduce a contrasting element while acknowledging a previous condition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, including News & Media and Academia. While alternatives like ""despite that"" or ""even so"" exist, "even at that" provides a nuance of surprise or unexpectedness. When using "even at that", ensure it appropriately introduces a statement that contrasts while still acknowledging a preceding point, thus avoiding misuse where a stronger conjunction like "but" would be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even so

Introduces a qualification or limitation.

nonetheless

Formally introduces a contrast or contradiction.

despite that

Focuses on the contrast despite the previous point.

regardless

Stresses the irrelevance of a previous condition.

in spite of that

Emphasizes overcoming an obstacle or challenge.

however

Directly contrasts with the preceding statement.

even then

Highlights a condition that persists even with a temporal consideration.

all the same

Highlights that the outcome remains unchanged.

yet still

Indicates a surprising continuation despite expectations.

that being said

Signals a shift in perspective or a new consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "even at that" in a sentence?

You can use "even at that" to introduce a statement that is true despite a previous condition, for example, "The price was high, but "even at that", it was a good deal."

What phrases are similar to "even at that"?

Similar phrases include "despite that", "even so", or "nonetheless", all used to introduce a contrasting element.

Is "even at that" formal or informal?

"Even at that" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

What's the difference between "even at that" and "but"?

"But" is a direct contrasting conjunction, while "even at that" introduces a contrast while acknowledging a preceding condition, implying a degree of surprise or unexpectedness.