even for

USAGE SUMMARY

"even for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to join two parts of a sentence and indicate that the second part is an exception or unexpected. For example: "He always gets to class on time, even for the early morning classes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not even for three.

The New Yorker

Even for the Swiss.

The New York Times

"Even for nonsmokers".

The New York Times

Even for a minute?

The New York Times

Not even for Ecclestone.

Independent

"Even for writers.

Independent

Even for Whitney.

The New York Times

Even for Sisi himself.

The Guardian

"Even for England".

Independent

And even for September.

The New York Times

Even for Holmes himself.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "even for" to highlight exceptions or unexpected cases within a broader statement. This can add nuance and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "even for" when simply stating a general fact. It's best suited for contrasting a specific case against a more general expectation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even for" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a clause by introducing a surprising or exceptional case. As Ludwig shows, the phrase highlights an unexpected scenario given a certain condition or expectation. For example, "Dramatic, even for a Hollywood actor."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "even for" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to highlight exceptions or unexpected cases. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. It functions to add emphasis, express surprise, and introduce contrasts. While alternatives like "especially for" or "particularly for" exist, "even for" uniquely conveys an element of surprise. When using "even for", ensure that it contrasts a specific case against a general expectation for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surprising even

Directly states the element of surprise, making it more emphatic.

unexpected even

Highlights the unforeseen nature of the situation or event.

especially given

Highlights a particular condition or fact that makes the statement surprising.

remarkable even

Emphasizes the noteworthy or exceptional aspect of the situation.

considering even

Emphasizes the act of taking something into account when expressing surprise.

particularly in light of

Similar to 'especially given', but adds a layer of formality and emphasis on the context.

even taking into account

Explicitly mentions the act of considering certain factors, making it more detailed.

notwithstanding

Indicates that something is true despite something else that might be expected to prevent it.

despite all that

Highlights a contrast between what might be expected and what is actually the case.

in spite of

Similar to 'despite', but can emphasize the difficulty overcome.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "even for" in a sentence?

Use "even for" to introduce an exception or something unexpected given a general rule or expectation. For example, "He's always punctual, "even for" early morning meetings."

What are some alternatives to "even for"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "especially for", "particularly for", "considering", or "despite" as alternatives to "even for".

Is there a difference between "even for" and "especially for"?

"Even for" suggests something is surprising or unexpected, while "especially for" simply emphasizes a particular case. "Even for" implies a contrast that "especially for" does not.

Can "even for" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "even for" is appropriate in formal writing. As shown by Ludwig, it is frequently used in news media and academic contexts.