Even If vs Even Though
Even is a word that can be combined by many other words to mean different things. It can be made into a condition or it can be emphasized by combining it with though, if, when, and so on. Many students of English language, especially non-natives, find it hard to differentiate between even though and even if, thereby making mistakes while using these phrases in written, as well as spoken English. This article attempts to make it easy for such people by highlighting the difference between the two phrases.
Even is a word that is used to make a strong statement. Even helps in emphasizing or driving home a point so that it is not missed by others. Take a look at the following sentences.
• He lost everything through gambling, even his wedding ring.
• Smith does not remember anything from his past after his accident, not even his own name.
Let us see how using though and if make a difference to an expression.
• Even though Tom studied hard for his exams, he failed in math.
• Even though Helen tried everything to save her marriage, she eventually failed.
• You cannot make Kylie happy even if you try with your full might
• He will still not be able to pay off his entire debt even if he wins the jackpot lottery.
Even if
The phrase even if implies whether or not, and it is used as a conjunction. It puts in a hypothetical condition that has not taken place yet.
I would not buy this watch even if I had money.
Here, the speaker wants to convey the impression that he would not buy the watch even when he has the money as it is very expensive.
I will come even if it rains.
This means that I have made up my mind and, rain or no rain, I will certainly pay a visit.
Even though
Despite the fact is what even though means. It is used to convey the impression that unexpected result was obtained despite the fact. It is possible to simply use though or although instead of even though but even though makes a sentence look more emphatic.
What is the difference between Even If and Even Though?
• Even though and even if are not interchangeable and imply different things.
• Despite the fact is what is implied by even though whereas, whether or not is what is implied by even if.
• Even if has unreal elements attached to it and is used to refer to hypothetical situations those have not taken place yet. For example, I may not be able to go to Cambridge for higher studies even if I get a scholarship.
• Even though talks of a fact whereas even if indicates an unsure condition.