even happening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "even happening" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the occurrence of an event or situation, often in a context where the speaker finds it surprising or unexpected. Example: "I never thought we would reach this point, with everything that's gone wrong, but it's even happening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Devolution is even happening in China.

The New York Times

"What's even happening?!" "Nothing," he said.

The New Yorker

"But that conversation isn't even happening on the immigration side".

The New Yorker

IT is even happening in progressive bastions like Canada.

The New York Times

There is one who says it's not even happening.

The Guardian

So let's get back to the probability of all of this ever even happening.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

It even happens in gardening.

Independent

Did it even happen?

The New York Times - Sports

It can even happen on the telephone.

The New Yorker

"How could that even happen?" Love said.

The New York Times

How did that even happen?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "even happening" to express surprise or disbelief that something is occurring, especially when it defies expectations or seems improbable. For example, "Despite the challenges, progress is "even happening"."

Common error

Avoid using "even happening" when simply stating a fact without any element of surprise or unexpectedness. Instead, opt for more neutral phrasing like "is happening" or "is occurring" when the emphasis isn't needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even happening" functions as an adverbial modifier, adding emphasis or surprise to the fact that an event is occurring. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable and correct, typically highlighting unexpected or improbable situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Even happening" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that adds emphasis and surprise to the occurrence of an event. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, especially when highlighting unexpected or improbable situations. While prevalent in news and media sources, it's less common in formal academic writing. Use it judiciously to convey surprise or disbelief, and consider alternatives like "actually occurring" or "genuinely unfolding" when a neutral tone is required. Overall, "even happening" is a versatile phrase for adding a touch of emphasis to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

actually occurring

Focuses on the reality of the event taking place, rather than emphasizing surprise.

truly taking place

Emphasizes the genuineness of the event's occurrence.

in fact occurring

Highlights that the event is not just possible, but is indeed happening.

genuinely unfolding

Stresses the authentic and progressive nature of the event.

currently underway

Highlights that the event is in progress at the present moment.

actively transpiring

Emphasizes the dynamic and ongoing nature of the event.

veritably occurring

Stresses the truthfulness and factual basis of the event's happening.

legitimately unfolding

Underscores the validity and proper nature of the event's progression.

concretely materializing

Highlights the tangible and real manifestation of the event.

undeniably unfolding

Emphasizes the indisputable and evident nature of the event's progression.

FAQs

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

Use "even happening" to express surprise or emphasis that something is occurring, often against expectations. For example, "After all the setbacks, success is "actually occurring" and progress is "even happening"."

What are some alternatives to "even happening"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "actually occurring", "truly taking place", or "genuinely unfolding" as alternatives to "even happening".

Is it always appropriate to use "even happening"?

No, it's not. Use "even happening" when you want to emphasize surprise or disbelief. In neutral contexts, phrases like "is occurring" or "is taking place" are more suitable.

What's the nuance between "even happening" and "actually happening"?

"Even happening" carries a stronger sense of surprise or unexpectedness compared to "actually happening". The former suggests something is occurring despite challenges or low expectations, while the latter simply confirms that something is, in fact, happening.