so even

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so even" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It can be used in informal contexts to emphasize a point or to indicate a surprising or unexpected outcome. Example: "I thought I would fail the exam, but I passed, so even I was surprised."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So, even before the C.J.T.F.

The New Yorker

That is so, even in Sheepshead Bay.

The New York Times

But this league is so even.

The New York Times - Sports

More so, even, with a book.

The New Yorker

So even Western technology appears frail.

The New York Times

So even they have their attendant demons".

Independent

You can do so, even on vacation.

The New York Times - Travel

So, even more emphatically, does shock.

The New Yorker

So, even, has their name.

The Guardian - Sport

It was doing so even before this week.

The Economist

So even this overstates expected return.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so even" to add emphasis to a statement, especially when highlighting a surprising or unexpected outcome. Ensure the context clearly supports the emphasis to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "so even" excessively in your writing, as it can sound repetitive or informal. Consider using stronger, more precise adverbs or phrases to convey your intended meaning for higher impact.

Linguistic Context

Adverbial phrases like "so even" modify clauses, adding emphasis or indicating a surprising result. As seen in Ludwig's examples, the phrase often highlights an unexpected outcome or underscores the extent of a situation. This emphasizes a statement or situation beyond initial expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "so even" serves to add emphasis or express surprise, highlighting an unexpected outcome or underscoring the extent of a situation. Ludwig AI shows that while not overly formal, it is acceptable in a range of contexts, notably in News & Media. While grammatically acceptable, it is important to use it judiciously to avoid redundancy. Consider alternatives like "even so" or "surprisingly even" for a more varied writing style. This approach ensures clarity and impact in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even so

Reverses the order of the words, creating a slightly more formal tone.

indeed even

Adds a stronger sense of affirmation or confirmation to the statement.

actually even

Highlights that something is surprising or contrary to expectations.

surprisingly even

Explicitly indicates the unexpected nature of the situation.

unexpectedly even

Focuses on the lack of anticipation surrounding the event.

to such an extent even

Emphasizes the degree or magnitude of something.

so much so that even

Expands on the "so" to add more context about consequence.

even to the point that

Suggests that something has reached an extreme or limit.

if only

Expresses a wish or regret that something were different, implying even more could have been.

despite that

Indicates that something happens regardless of a preceding statement.

FAQs

How can I use "so even" in a sentence?

Use "so even" to emphasize a point or indicate a surprising outcome. For example, "I studied hard, so even I was surprised by the high grade I received."

What phrases are similar to "so even"?

Alternatives include "even so", "indeed even", or "surprisingly even". Choose the phrase that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

Is "so even" grammatically correct?

While not considered highly formal, "so even" is generally acceptable and used to add emphasis. Ludwig AI shows it appearing in a variety of respected news and media outlets.

When should I avoid using "so even"?

Avoid using "so even" in highly formal or academic writing where a more precise or sophisticated phrase might be preferable. Overuse can also diminish its impact.