what was even

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what was even" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express disbelief or confusion about a situation or statement, often in a rhetorical manner. Example: "I can't believe he said that; what was even going through his mind?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What was even more surprising than this anonymous comment, was News Corp.'s response to it.

The New Yorker

— and you want to know what was even better for the upper body than weights?

The New Yorker

What was even worse, though, were some of my co-workers.

The New York Times - Books

(That last word received what was, even by his standards, an exceptionally phlegmy pronunciation).

The New Yorker

Yet what was even more jolting was his intended market: not Britain, but Chile.

The Guardian - Tech

"There was never a proper inventory of what was even in the temple," he says.

The Guardian

But what was even more concerning was how quickly things are predicted to get worse.

The Guardian

But what was even more interesting was what Saga said to Martin.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But what was even more striking, Mr. Khouri said, was the Jordanian singer's victory margin.

The New York Times

And what was even better was to see her performing with Bowie's backing band.

The Guardian - Music

What was even more galling was that he had made a packet in the process.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what was even" to introduce a surprising or unexpected element that contrasts with a previous statement. This can add emphasis and engage the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "what was even" in highly formal writing where a more direct or neutral phrasing would be more appropriate. For instance, prefer "more importantly" or "more significantly" in academic papers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what was even" functions as an intensifier, adding emphasis to a statement or expressing surprise or disbelief about a particular situation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is used to introduce a more surprising or important aspect. For instance, 'What was even more interesting...' highlights a particularly notable point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what was even" is a commonly used intensifier to express surprise or add emphasis, predominantly found in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely employed to highlight unexpected or more significant aspects of a situation. While versatile, it's best reserved for neutral to slightly informal settings, avoiding highly formal or academic writing where more direct alternatives might be preferable. Its frequent use in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its acceptability in mainstream communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what unbelievably transpired

Stresses how incredible or hard to believe the events were.

what surprisingly resulted

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the outcome.

what really occurred

Emphasizes truth and factual details over subjective interpretation.

what unexpectedly followed

Highlights the element of surprise regarding what then occurred.

what actually happened

Focuses on the reality of events rather than the perceived situation.

what remarkably ensued

Draws focus to the noteworthy consequence or development.

what precisely took place

Implies need for exactness and clarification regarding the events.

what specifically transpired

Highlights the particular sequence and details of what happened.

what in fact unfolded

Underlines the reality and progression of events as they happened.

what truly went down

Adds a colloquial tone while focusing on the real sequence of events.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "what was even" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "more importantly", "more significantly", or "moreover".

Is "what was even" suitable for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "what was even" may sound too informal for academic writing. Opt for a more neutral phrasing.

What does "what was even" emphasize in a sentence?

The phrase "what was even" often emphasizes surprise, disbelief, or the unexpected nature of a situation. For example, you might say, "The news was shocking, but "what was even more shocking" was the public's reaction".

How does the use of "what was even" affect the tone of writing?

Using "what was even" can add an emotional tone, such as surprise or disbelief, making the writing more engaging but potentially less neutral. For a less emotive option, use something like "more importantly".