if not even

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if not even" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express doubt and contrast an unlikely scenario. For example, "If not even the President can succeed in this endeavor, then who can?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I was rather indifferent, if not even a little angry," he later said.

The New Yorker

Stewart was frankly admiring of Colbert, I wondered if not even a little bit envious.

The New York Times

All of that was radical, if not even remix-oriented or bloggy before its time.

The New York Times - Arts

If not even he can extract 7,000 settlers from Gaza, grim times lie ahead.

The Economist

If not, even the invitingly clear waters of the Olympic pool will be tainted by association.

The Guardian - Sport

"I see the same hunger, if not even more," said Wilshere.

The Guardian - Sport

In situ testing is considered to be particularly beneficial (if not even indispensable) for concentrating collectors in terms of cost effectiveness and feasibility.

Applied Energy

Other paintings and three-dimensional works similarly found takers at the low estimate, if not even below.

The New York Times - Arts

His manner was more energetic, if not even slightly frenetic and perhaps rather too full of nervous energy.

Independent

And, if not even one shot looks right, digital technology can improve your image in any way you like.

The New York Times

So in terms of rainfall magnitude, Sunday's storm is a likely rival, if not even more intense.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if not even" to introduce a possibility that is more extreme or surprising than what has already been mentioned. It adds emphasis and can create a nuanced comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "if not even" when the comparison is obvious or adds no value. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if not even" functions as a qualifier or intensifier, introducing an element that may be more accurate, surprising, or significant than the initial statement. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "if not even" functions as a qualifier or intensifier, adding nuance and emphasis to statements by suggesting stronger possibilities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While the register is generally neutral, it's important to avoid overuse in situations where the comparison is obvious. Related phrases such as "or even" and "possibly even" offer alternatives for achieving similar communicative purposes. By understanding its function, purpose, and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively integrate "if not even" into their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if not more

Directly suggests a greater degree or intensity than previously indicated.

or even

Adds an element that might be surprising or unexpected, emphasizing a stronger alternative.

if not actually

Emphasizes that something might be closer to the real situation than initially thought.

if not indeed

Suggests a stronger affirmation of a statement, potentially more accurate than the original assertion.

possibly even

Highlights the chance that something could reach or exceed a certain point.

if not outright

Indicates a potential escalation from an implied state to a direct one.

perhaps more so

Signals that something might be stronger or more impactful than what was previously mentioned.

maybe even

Suggests a possibility, often surprising, that something reaches or goes beyond expectations.

at least as

Highlights a condition of equality, ensuring something is no less than another.

if not anything

Emphasizes that something is assuredly good, even if it is not anything else

FAQs

How to use "if not even" in a sentence?

Use "if not even" to suggest that something might be more accurate, intense, or significant than the initial statement. For example, "The project could be completed within a month, if not even sooner."

What can I say instead of "if not even"?

Alternatives include "or even", "possibly even", or "if not more", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "if not even" or "if not never"?

"If not even" is used to suggest something more extreme. "If not never" is grammatically incorrect and doesn't convey a coherent meaning.

What's the difference between "if not" and "if not even"?

"If not" introduces a simple alternative or condition. "If not even" introduces a more surprising or extreme possibility. For example, "He might arrive tomorrow, if not today" versus "He might arrive tomorrow, if not even earlier."