to be even

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be even" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing fairness, equality, or balance in a situation. Example: "In order for the competition to be fair, the rules need to be even for all participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Online, they appear to be even cheaper).

The New York Times

It used to be even worse.

The New York Times

Next year is expected to be even better.

The New York Times

It turned out to be even worse.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's going to be even better".

The New York Times - Sports

We have to be even better".

The Guardian - Sport

"We've got to be even stronger".

The Guardian

It's going to be even more dangerous.

The New Yorker

The two candidates appear to be even.

The New York Times

Today it appeared to be even lower.

The New York Times

This one promises to be even more emotional.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be even" when you want to suggest a state of equality or balance, particularly in comparative contexts. For instance, "The playing field needs to be even for all competitors."

Common error

Avoid using "to be even" when you actually mean "to be fair". While related, "even" emphasizes sameness in quantity or degree, whereas "fair" emphasizes impartiality and justice. Ensure the context truly calls for equality rather than just equitable treatment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be even" functions primarily as an infinitive phrase, often used to express a condition or requirement for equality or balance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound. Examples show its use in various contexts, from ensuring fair competition to describing comparable states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be even" is a versatile and grammatically correct construction used to express a need for equality or balance. As Ludwig AI confirms, its applications range from formal news reports and scientific analyses to everyday conversations. While common, it's important to ensure that "to be even" accurately conveys the intended meaning, distinguishing it from related concepts like fairness or sameness. Alternative phrases such as "to be equal" or ""to be balanced"" can provide more precise connotations depending on the specific context. The frequent occurrence of "to be even" across reputable sources underscores its reliability and broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to become equal

Focuses on the process of reaching a state of equality rather than simply existing in that state.

to be balanced

Emphasizes equilibrium and stability, suggesting that different elements are in harmonious proportion.

to be equivalent

Highlights the interchangeability or functional sameness of different things.

to be comparable

Suggests similarity for the purpose of comparison, but not necessarily complete equality.

to be on par

Implies a level of equality in terms of quality, status, or achievement.

to be the same

Indicates an identical state or condition, emphasizing a lack of difference.

to be uniform

Highlights consistency and a lack of variation across multiple instances.

to be aligned

Focuses on agreement or correspondence between different elements.

to be levelled

Implies the act of making something equal, often by removing differences or disparities.

to be equitable

Stresses fairness and justice in the distribution or treatment of something.

FAQs

How can I use "to be even" in a sentence?

You can use "to be even" to describe a state of equality or balance, such as "For the game to be fair, the teams need "to be even" in number".

What's a good alternative for "to be even" in the context of fairness?

In contexts where fairness is key, consider using "to be equitable" or "to be just" instead of "to be even", which focuses more on numerical or measurable equality.

Is it always correct to use "to be even" when aiming for balance?

While "to be even" suggests balance, ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning. Sometimes, "to be proportional" or "to be balanced" might be more fitting, especially if perfect equality isn't the goal.

What is the difference between saying "to be even" and "to be the same"?

"To be even" implies a balanced state, often in comparison, while "to be the same" suggests identity or lack of difference. For example, "the scores need "to be even"" versus "the two answers need to be the same".