even to mention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "even to mention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is so significant or extreme that it is almost unthinkable to bring it up in conversation. Example: "The consequences of the decision were dire, even to mention the potential impact on our reputation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Mr Hu failed even to mention the issue.

The Economist

The president failed even to mention the company's name.

The New York Times

She seemed unwilling even to mention Mr. Purvis's name.

The New Yorker

Immigration, perhaps surprisingly, is a subject that Mr Lewis prefers not even to mention.

The Economist

Even to mention it seems louche, but to glide past it is bizarre.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It feels intrusive even to mention Angela's name," I tell him.

Independent

Even to mention it seems petty; no legal sanction will touch, or ought to touch it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Before today, administration officials have been reluctant even to mention Mr. Arafat's name.

The New York Times

Among white people, except for a few, it was bad manners even to mention his name.

The Guardian

Better not even to mention them; they need all the rest they can get.

The New York Times

People who had once been afraid even to mention marriage were proposing.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "even to mention" to underscore the sensitivity, improbability, or obviousness of a topic. This phrase effectively conveys that the subject is almost too delicate or self-evident to warrant discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "even to mention" excessively in casual conversation, as it can sound overly formal or dramatic. Opt for simpler phrases like "not to mention" or "let alone" for everyday scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even to mention" functions as an infinitive phrase used to introduce a point that is either so obvious it barely needs stating, or so sensitive that it is usually avoided. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples highlights its use in both formal and informal contexts to add emphasis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "even to mention" serves to highlight something so self-evident or sensitive that it almost doesn't bear mentioning. As Ludwig AI demonstrates, its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance in diverse sources—particularly news and media—attest to its versatility. While generally acceptable, overuse in casual contexts should be avoided to maintain clarity and avoid sounding overly dramatic. When used judiciously, "even to mention" can be a powerful tool for adding emphasis and signaling importance. Consider alternatives such as "not to mention" or "let alone mention", tailoring the choice to the specific communicative goal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let alone mention

Emphasizes a greater degree of exclusion or unlikelihood; it's stronger than the original phrase.

not to mention

Adds additional information as an afterthought; less about reluctance and more about inclusion.

to say nothing of

Similar to "not to mention" but often used to introduce a more significant point.

much less mention

Highlights an even smaller chance or possibility than the act of mentioning.

to not even bring up

Focuses on the deliberate avoidance of a topic.

refrain from mentioning

Highlights a conscious decision to withhold information.

avoid any mention of

Emphasizes the act of actively steering clear of a subject.

bypassing the mention of

Indicates a deliberate omission or oversight.

without so much as a mention

Highlights a complete absence of reference to something.

overlooking the mention of

Suggests neglect or disregard towards mentioning something.

FAQs

How can I use "even to mention" in a sentence?

The phrase "even to mention" is used to emphasize that something is almost too obvious, sensitive, or extreme to be brought up. For example, "The risks were significant, "even to mention" the potential for financial loss."

What phrases are similar to "even to mention"?

Similar phrases include "not to mention", "let alone mention", and "to say nothing of". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "even to mention" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "even to mention" can sometimes sound overly dramatic or emphatic in formal writing. Evaluate whether a more neutral phrase would be more suitable to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "even to mention" and "not to mention"?

"Even to mention" emphasizes the sensitivity or obviousness of something, while "not to mention" is typically used to add additional information as an afterthought. The former implies a higher degree of emphasis than the latter.