conjunction

even if

EE-vuhn IF

Even if (conjunction) means used to say that something will be true or will happen regardless of another circumstance, whether or not that circumstance turns out to be the case. Example: “We're going even if it rains.”

conjunction

Used to say that something will be true or will happen regardless of another circumstance, whether or not that circumstance turns out to be the case.

"We're going even if it rains."

"Even if she apologises, I won't work with her again."

Used to concede a point for the sake of argument, while insisting it does not change the conclusion.

"Even if the figures are right, the plan still costs too much."

How to use even if

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIt will still happen, whether or not the other thing does.

When to use it

Neutral; equally at home in speech and formal writing.

Memory tip

After 'even if' in a hypothetical about the present, use the past form: 'even if I had the money, I wouldn't buy it.'

Easily confused with

even though → even when as if

Common pairings

even if it means even if only even if we wanted to

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We're going _____ it rains.

Synonyms

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regardless of whether no matter if granted that admitting that

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 'even if' and 'even though'?

'Even though' introduces something that is actually true — 'even though it was raining, we went' means it really did rain. 'Even if' introduces a possibility that may or may not happen — 'even if it rains, we'll go' leaves the rain undecided. Use 'even though' for facts and 'even if' for hypotheticals.

What is the difference between 'even if' and 'if'?

Plain 'if' makes the result depend on the condition: if it rains, we'll cancel. 'Even if' does the opposite — it says the result holds anyway, and the condition makes no difference at all.

What is the meaning of even if?

"even if" (conjunction) means used to say that something will be true or will happen regardless of another circumstance, whether or not that circumstance turns out to be the case.

What is another word for even if?

Other words for "even if" include regardless of whether, no matter if, granted that, admitting that.