even by

USAGE SUMMARY

"even by" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a comparison, to talk about how something is done in relation to something else. For example, "She was able to do the job quickly, even by her own standards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Strikes even by gravediggers.

The New York Times

"Even by myself," she says.

Independent

I felt rebuked, even by Jane herself.

The New Yorker

Musial was appreciated even by rival players.

The New York Times - Sports

Unemployment is high, even by Libyan standards.

The New York Times - Magazine

A long delay, even by Bangladeshi standards.

The Economist

Even by 1908, the mines were failing.

Independent

DRINKS Expensive, even by Manhattan standards.

The New York Times

Or even by simple operator error.

The New York Times

Some do well even by international measures.

The Economist

Even by barristers' standards".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "even by" to introduce a surprising comparison, highlighting that something is notable or extreme when viewed against a particular benchmark or standard.

Common error

Avoid using "even by" when you are not making a direct comparison. For instance, instead of saying "The day was long, even by Tuesday", rephrase it to "The day was long, even for a Tuesday" or "The day was especially long" to maintain clarity and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even by" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce a comparison that emphasizes an unexpected or extreme quality. It serves to qualify a statement by referencing a specific standard or expectation. Ludwig contains many examples that showcase this.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "even by" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to introduce a comparative element that emphasizes an unexpected or extreme quality in relation to a known standard. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Primarily found in news and media contexts, it serves to highlight contrasts and emphasize degrees. To ensure effective communication, avoid using "even by" in non-comparative contexts; instead, opt for alternatives like "relative to" or "compared with" depending on the intended meaning. The phrase's consistent usage across reputable sources underscores its reliability and applicability in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by the standards of

Explicitly states a set of criteria for evaluation.

even according to

Focuses on aligning with a particular viewpoint or standard.

compared with

Highlights a direct comparison between two elements.

even in the eyes of

Focuses on a specific perspective or judgment.

in comparison to

Directly contrasts one thing with another.

relative to

Emphasizes a comparison in relation to a specific benchmark.

taking into account

Emphasizes a more comprehensive evaluation.

considering

Presents something as a factor to take into account.

given

Highlights something as a known or assumed fact.

in light of

Suggests examining something based on new information or context.

FAQs

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

Use "even by" to indicate that something is surprising or extreme when compared to a particular standard. For example, "The traffic was heavy, even by rush hour standards."

What does "even by" mean?

"Even by" is used to highlight that something is notable or unexpected, especially when considering a specific reference point or norm. It suggests that something exceeds the typical expectation associated with that reference point.

What are some alternatives to "even by"?

Alternatives include phrases like "relative to", "compared with", or "by the standards of", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "even by" in formal writing?

Yes, "even by" is appropriate for formal writing. It is grammatically sound and commonly used in news articles, academic papers, and other professional contexts.