is there even

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is there even" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express doubt or incredulity about the existence or availability of something. Example: "Is there even a chance that we can finish this project on time?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nor is there even an ideological connection.

The New Yorker

But is there even a government?

The Economist

In fact, is there even a linesman?

The Guardian - Sport

Why is there even a need for such a policy?

The New York Times

Why is there even a conversation about feminism?

Independent

The money is there even when the guests stay home.

The New York Times - Travel

"This feeling is there, even in my own family".

The New York Times

But is there even a "we" to ask about?

The New York Times - Books

Reply to is there even such a thing as "idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus"?

Harvard University

The whole body language is there, even the head movements and eye movements especially.

The New York Times

In principle, that rental income is there even when one lives in one's own home.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is there even" when you want to express genuine surprise or disbelief. It's more impactful than a simple question.

Common error

Avoid using "is there even" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more direct and less colloquial phrasing to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is there even" functions primarily as an interrogative phrase used to express doubt, disbelief, or skepticism. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a valid and usable phrase in English. Examples from Ludwig show it used in contexts ranging from questioning the existence of something to doubting the validity of a concept.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is there even" is a versatile interrogative phrase commonly used to express doubt or incredulity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently appears in news and media, with occasional usage in academia and business contexts. While generally neutral, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal writing. When employing "is there even", consider the context and desired tone to ensure it effectively conveys your intended skepticism or surprise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is there truly

Replaces "even" with "truly" to put more emphasis on the existence of the subject.

is there genuinely

Replaces "even" with "genuinely" to emphasize the authentic or sincere presence of the subject.

is there in reality

Replaces "even" with "in reality" to emphasize the actual or factual presence of the subject.

does there truly exist

Replaces "is" with "does exist", adding emphasis on the actual existence of something, making it a more formal way to express doubt.

is it actually the case that

This phrase is more formal, explicitly questioning whether something is true or factual.

might there actually be

Similar to "could there possibly be", but the word might is slightly less strong compared to could.

could there possibly be

Uses "could" to suggest possibility and "possibly" to amplify the uncertainty. Adds a layer of speculation.

is it even conceivable that

Challenges the conceivability or possibility of something, suggesting it's unlikely.

can it really be said that

Questions the validity of a statement or assertion, often implying skepticism.

does one even find

Alters the structure to question whether something is typically found or encountered.

FAQs

How can I use "is there even" in a sentence?

The phrase "is there even" is used to express doubt or incredulity about something. For example, "Is there even a point in trying if the odds are stacked against us?"

What can I say instead of "is there even"?

You can use alternatives such as "is there truly", "does there really exist", or "is it actually the case that" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is there ever" instead of "is there even"?

While "is there ever" can be grammatically correct in some contexts, it doesn't convey the same sense of disbelief or surprise as "is there even". "Is there ever" typically questions if something has happened at any point in time.

What's the difference between "is there even" and "is there really"?

"Is there even" implies a stronger sense of doubt or skepticism than "is there really". "Is there even" suggests you're highly doubtful, while "is there really" is a more neutral question.