even why not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "even why not" is not standard in written English and may be considered awkward or unclear.
It could be used in informal contexts to suggest that there is no reason not to do something, but it is not commonly accepted. Example: "If you're thinking about going to the concert, even why not? It could be fun!"

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Or even – why not? – Henry Miller's Tropic of Cancer.

The Guardian - Books

Or even (why not?) Liz Hurley herself - minus the dummy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It came with an enclosed patio featuring a gorgeous view of the lawn sloping to the river; a swimming pool; a gazebo with a Ping-Pong table; countless bedrooms with ample linens; a vast hall; paintings of someone's ancestors; a drawing room that could easily accommodate 30 for tea; a huge white turn-of-the-century kitchen and even (why not?) a cook -- rather foul-mouthed but talented.

The New York Times - Travel

Keep it simple and short and even, (why not), entertaining.

Forbes

We would like for all our interlocutors, whether professional, industrial and even -- why not?

HuffPost

So bottom line: do not ask why or even why not, just do.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In that case, al-Jazeera seems to me less a force for democracy in the Arab world than for a vibrant Arab nationalism of a neo-Nasserist or even - why not? - a neo-Saddamist character.

The Guardian - Books

Even better, why not give it some extra oomph?

The New York Times

Even better, why not go online and nominate them.

The Guardian - Opinion

"To convince yourself to not make something before you even try". Why not do that then?

The Washington Post

Even better, why not describe some Islamic fundamentalists as lazy and feckless?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "even why not" sparingly in informal contexts where a slightly whimsical or rhetorical tone is appropriate. It can add a touch of playful suggestion.

Common error

Refrain from using "even why not" in formal writing or professional communication. It may be perceived as too casual or flippant, undermining the seriousness of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even why not" functions as an interjection or a rhetorical question that suggests an openness to an idea or action. It implies that there is no compelling reason to object, often serving as a soft encouragement. As Ludwig points out, while not grammatically incorrect, it leans towards informality.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "even why not" is a phrase used to suggest an openness to an idea or action, implying there's no obvious reason to object. It functions as an interjection or rhetorical question, often serving as a gentle encouragement. While Ludwig considers it acceptable, its use should be limited to informal contexts. More formal settings may require alternatives like "there is no reason not to". The phrase appears primarily in news media and general interest articles. Remember to consider your audience and the overall tone when deciding whether to use "even why not".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

why not even

Inverts the order of "even" and "why not", shifting emphasis slightly but retaining the core meaning.

why not

Shortens the phrase, removing the "even" for a more direct suggestion.

no reason not to

States directly that there's no justification for avoiding a certain action.

what's stopping you

Focuses on the absence of obstacles, suggesting there's no reason not to proceed.

sure, why not

Adds an affirmative "sure" to the original phrase, emphasizing agreement or willingness.

there's no harm in trying

Emphasizes the safety of attempting something, implying a lack of negative consequences.

it's worth a shot

Suggests that something is worth trying, despite uncertain odds.

give it a try

A simple encouragement to attempt something, similar to "why not".

what do you have to lose

Highlights the potential benefits over the minimal risks, encouraging action.

might as well

Indicates acceptance of a course of action due to a lack of better alternatives.

FAQs

How can I use "even why not" in a sentence?

You can use "even why not" to suggest that there's no reason against doing something, typically in informal conversation. For instance, "If you're thinking about applying for that job, "why not"?"

What does "even why not" mean?

"Even why not" implies a sense of openness to an idea or suggestion, indicating that there are no apparent reasons for rejection. It's often used rhetorically to encourage a particular course of action or to express a willingness to consider something.

Are there better ways to say "even why not" in professional writing?

In professional settings, consider using alternatives like "there is no reason not to", "it may be worth considering", or "we should explore the possibility". These options convey a similar sentiment while maintaining a more formal and serious tone.

Is "even why not" grammatically correct?

While "even why not" isn't strictly ungrammatical, it's not a standard or widely recognized phrase. Its acceptability depends on context, with informal settings being more appropriate than formal ones. Using "why not" or "no reason not to" will make your sentence more understandable.