Even Though vs. Eventhough – Which is Correct?
The correct phrase is even though, written as two separate words. The single-word form, “eventhough,” is a common misspelling and is considered incorrect in standard English. Always use two words when you intend to express a concession or contrast, similar to ‘although’ or ‘despite the fact that,’ to maintain clarity and professionalism in your writing.
Even though or eventhough – Which is Correct?
The distinction between “even though” and “eventhough” is straightforward: only the two-word phrase even though is grammatically correct. “Eventhough” is a common misspelling, likely stemming from phonetic confusion or the tendency to condense frequently used phrases into single words. This error often occurs because the two words are pronounced together quickly, leading writers to mistakenly combine them.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
To remember the correct spelling, think of it this way: even though is a phrase made up of two distinct words, ‘even’ and ‘though,’ each carrying its own meaning that combines to form a concessive conjunction. You wouldn’t write “eventif” or “evenwhen” as single words, so apply the same logic to “even though.” Always remember to include the space – the space creates the meaning.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Even though | Subordinating Conjunction | Despite the fact that; although; in spite of the fact that | Even though it rained, we still enjoyed our picnic. |
| Eventhough | Incorrect | Misspelling; not a recognized word in standard English | Incorrect: |
How to Use Even though
The phrase “even though” functions as a subordinating conjunction, introducing a subordinate clause that expresses a concession or a contrast to the main clause. It emphasizes that the main clause is true or happens despite the information in the subordinate clause. It carries a stronger sense of contrast or surprise than “although” or “though” and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Example 1: Even though she was tired, she stayed up late to finish her project.
Example 2: He decided to go for a run, even though the weather forecast predicted rain.
Example 3: Even though the restaurant was expensive, the food was absolutely delicious.
Etymology of the word Even though
The phrase “even though” combines two Old English words. “Even” comes from Old English efen, meaning “level, equal, just, calm.” “Though” derives from Old English þeah, meaning “though, although, however, nevertheless.” The combination of these words to form a concessive conjunction, emphasizing an unexpected contrast, evolved over time, solidifying its role in English grammar as a two-word phrase to convey “despite the fact that.”
Related Concepts
Understanding related grammatical concepts can further clarify the correct usage of “even though” and help avoid common errors in English.
- Subordinating Conjunctions: These are words or phrases that connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, showing a relationship of time, cause, contrast, etc. “Even though” is a type of subordinating conjunction that indicates concession.
- Concessive Clauses: These are dependent clauses that express an idea that suggests the opposite of the main clause, or an idea that creates a contrast. Concessive clauses are typically introduced by conjunctions like “even though,” “although,” “though,” or “while.”
Examples from Media and Literature
Here are several examples demonstrating the correct usage of “even though” in various contexts:
- “It’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.” – Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (Applies the spirit of change, even though circumstances might seem similar).
- “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.” – Steve Jobs (Implies persistence, even though the search might be long).
- “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” – Walt Disney (Suggests progress, even though the future is unknown).
- “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” – Albert Einstein (Highlights continuous effort, even though it may be challenging).
- “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” – Maya Angelou (Emphasizes resilience, even though external factors are beyond control).
Even though Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Although | In spite of the fact that; however. |
| Though | Despite the fact that; however (often less emphatic than ‘even though’). |
| Despite the fact that | In spite of something; notwithstanding. |
| In spite of | Without being affected by the particular thing mentioned. |
| Notwithstanding | In spite of; although. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “even though” more formal than “although”?
“Even though” often carries a stronger emphasis on the contrast or concession than “although,” but both are generally appropriate for both formal and informal writing. “Even though” highlights a more surprising or significant contrast.
Question 2: Can “even though” start a sentence?
Yes, “even though” can absolutely start a sentence. When it introduces a dependent clause at the beginning of a sentence, that clause should be followed by a comma before the independent clause begins. For example: “Even though it was late, they continued working.”
Question 3: What’s the main difference between “even though” and “even if”?
“Even though” refers to a known or accepted fact (e.g., “Even though it rained, we went out”). “Even if” refers to a hypothetical or uncertain situation (e.g., “Even if it rains, we will still go out”). “Even though” deals with reality, while “even if” deals with possibility.
Conclusion
The distinction between “eventhough” and “even though” is a clear case of correct spelling versus a common error. Always remember to use the two-word phrase even though to convey concession or contrast in your writing. The single word “eventhough” is universally considered a misspelling and should be avoided. Paying attention to such details enhances your credibility and ensures your message is understood precisely.
Pro Tip: In professional communication, even small spelling errors like “eventhough” can detract from your credibility. A quick proofread or using a reliable spell-checker can easily catch and correct these mistakes, preserving your professional reputation.
