to get even

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to get even" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It means to seek revenge or retaliate against someone for a past wrong or injustice. Example: "Sarah was determined to get even with her ex-boyfriend who had cheated on her. She planned to publicly expose his infidelity at the upcoming dinner party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"To get even," he replied.

The New Yorker

Pinewood wants to get even bigger.

The New York Times

Things start to get even more interesting.

The New York Times - Books

That's your moment to get even.

The New York Times

She knows how to get even.

The New York Times

It was about to get even darker.

The Guardian

They also wanted to get even.

The New York Times

"Nobody is ever going to get even close to this.

The New York Times - Sports

I never figured out how to get even.

The New York Times

The supreme leader will seek ways to get even.

The New York Times

The anti-immigrant sentiment continues to get even more heated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to get even", ensure the context clearly indicates a desire for retribution or balancing a perceived wrong. Avoid using it in contexts where a more positive or constructive action is intended.

Common error

Avoid using "to get even" in formal or professional settings where a desire for revenge is inappropriate. Opt for phrases like "to seek resolution" or "to address the issue" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to get even" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase expressing intention or purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage. In sentences, it typically acts as an adverbial modifier, explaining the reason behind an action, as seen in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to get even" is a common expression used to convey the intention of retaliating or seeking revenge. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally acceptable, its appropriateness may vary depending on the formality of the situation. Alternatives like "to retaliate" or "to seek revenge" can offer different nuances. When writing, consider the context and audience to ensure the phrase aligns with the intended tone and message. The examples from authoritative sources indicate that while frequent, there are always better ways to be persuasive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to retaliate

Focuses specifically on returning an action in kind, often implying a direct and immediate response to an offense.

to seek revenge

Highlights the intent to inflict harm or suffering as a consequence of a perceived injustice.

to settle the score

Implies a desire to balance a previous wrong by achieving an equivalent outcome, often in a competitive context.

to exact retribution

Emphasizes a formal or official imposition of punishment to compensate for a wrong.

to get back at

Suggests a more informal and personal approach to revenge, often involving playful or minor acts of retaliation.

to pay someone back

Implies a return of a favor, often in a negative context where the favor is a harm or offense.

to give someone their just deserts

Emphasizes the deservedness of the punishment, implying that the recipient is receiving what they have earned.

to take vengeance

Highlights the act of inflicting punishment as a personal righting of a wrong.

to right a wrong

Focuses on correcting an injustice or rectifying a situation that was previously unfair.

to even the odds

Implies creating a level playing field or balancing an unfair advantage, rather than seeking direct revenge.

FAQs

What does "to get even" mean?

The phrase "to get even" means to retaliate or seek revenge for a perceived wrong or injustice. It implies a desire to balance the scales after being wronged.

What can I say instead of "to get even"?

You can use alternatives like "to retaliate", "to seek revenge", or "to settle the score" depending on the context.

Is "to get even" appropriate in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "to get even" might sound too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using phrases like "to seek redress" or "to rectify the situation" for a more professional tone.

How do you use "to get even" in a sentence?

Example: "After being cheated, she plotted a scheme to get even with him."