not even

USAGE SUMMARY

"not even" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to denote an exception to the rule or to emphasize a point. For example: "I'm the most prepared student in the class - not even the professor knows as much as I do!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Not even covert, not even implied".

The New Yorker

It's not even lunch".

The New Yorker

Not even Apple.

The New York Times

Not even at home.

Independent

Not even cheese?

The New York Times

Not even health.

The New York Times - Books

Not even whole episodes.

The New York Times

Not even for three.

The New Yorker

It's not even noon.

The New Yorker

Not even on potholes.

The New York Times

Not even the colors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not even", ensure the element being negated is the most surprising or extreme case to underscore your point.

Common error

Avoid using "not even" when a simple "not" suffices. Overusing it can dilute its emphatic effect and make your writing sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not even" functions as an emphatic negator, highlighting exceptions or surprising absences. As Ludwig AI correctly assesses, it adds emphasis to a negative statement, suggesting something is less likely than expected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not even" serves as a potent tool for emphatic negation, commonly found in neutral registers, especially within News & Media. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, while the examples showcase its capacity to express surprise or disbelief. When using "not even", consider emphasizing an unexpected or extreme case. Alternatives like "not so much as" or "far from it" can be used, depending on the desired level of formality. Be careful not to overuse it as it dilutes its emphatic effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not so much as

Emphasizes a complete absence of something, adding a touch of formality.

not in the slightest

Indicates a weak degree or intensity, implying total negation.

far from it

Expresses the opposite of what was suggested, offering a stronger contrast.

not at all

Simple and direct negation, lacking the added emphasis of "not even".

certainly not

Offers a firm rejection, highlighting certainty rather than exception.

by no means

Formal way of expressing strong disagreement.

definitely not

Emphasizes the impossibility of something.

absolutely not

Indicates complete refusal or disagreement, with an assertive tone.

under no circumstances

Expresses a firm prohibition or condition.

least of all

Highlights something as the most unlikely or unsuitable option.

FAQs

How to use "not even" in a sentence?

"Not even" is used to emphasize a negation, highlighting an unexpected or extreme case. For instance, "He didn't call, "not even" to wish me a happy birthday" emphasizes the surprising lack of a call.

What can I say instead of "not even"?

You can use alternatives like "not so much as", "not in the slightest", or "far from it" depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Which is correct, "not even" or "not ever"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have different meanings. "Not ever" implies a negation spanning all time, while "not even" emphasizes a surprising or unexpected exception. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "not even" and "never"?

"Never" is an absolute negation, indicating something has not happened at any time. "Not even", on the other hand, implies that something is so unlikely that it didn't happen, especially when it might have been expected. For example: 'I have "never" been to Paris' versus 'I didn't "not even" get a postcard'.