6 Ways to Use the Word “Even” in English

Welcome back, students! I'm your English teacher, Bri, and we are going to talk about how to use that little word "even" in English. The word “even” may look small, but it’s full of personality! In English, “even” can be a number, a way to express fairness, a verb, or even a surprise! Let’s look at 6 common ways to use "even"—with clear examples so you can start using them with confidence.

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How to Use Even in English

1. Even Numbers (Adjective)

Meaning: An even number is a number that can be divided by 2 with no remainder.

🧠 Grammar Tip: Even is used here as an adjective to describe the number.

Examples:

• 2, 4, 6, and 8 are all even numbers.

• She can only sit on an even-numbered seat.

• We need an even number of chairs for this game.
  

2. We Are Even (Expression for Fairness)

Meaning: This phrase means that no one owes anything anymore—everything is equal or fair now.

🧠 You can use it after returning a favor, paying someone back, or settling a score.

Examples:

• Thanks for buying me lunch. Now we’re even!

• I helped you move last weekend, and you helped me today. We’re even now.

• After I paid him back, he said, “Now we’re even.”

  
  

3. Get Even (Idiom – Take Revenge)

Meaning: To “get even” means to take revenge or pay someone back for something they did.

🧠 This is often used in a negative or emotional context.

Examples:

• He was bullied in school and later got even with his bullies.

• She’s planning to get even with her roommate for ruining her favorite sweater.

• You lied to me? Just wait—I’ll get even with you.

  
  

4. Even Out (Phrasal Verb – Make Equal or Smooth)

Meaning: To “even out” means to make something balanced, level, or equal.

🧠 This is often used with skin tones, workloads, or surfaces.

Examples:

• The pavement was bumpy, so they had to even it out.

• Her skin tone evened out after using the cream.

• Let’s even out the chores so no one has too much to do.

  
  

5. Even for Emphasis (Adverb)

Meaning: “Even” can be used to show surprise, emphasis, or something unexpected.

🧠 It usually comes before the word or phrase you want to emphasize.

Examples:

• She didn’t even say goodbye.

• He can’t even cook rice!

• Even my little brother knows the answer!

  
  

6. Even as a Comparative Adjective (More Flat, Balanced, or Equal)

Meaning: “Even” can describe something that is smooth or equal in level—and can be used in comparison.

🧠 Often used with “more” or “less” to describe physical or emotional balance.

Examples:

• This table is more even than the old one.

• His mood was much more even after he started meditating daily.

• The bricks were laid in an evener line than before.

  
  

🎓 Final Thoughts

“Even” is a small word with big flexibility! Whether you’re counting numbers, getting revenge, or emphasizing surprise, “even” has got your back. Try using each of these in your own sentences today!

📝 Practice Challenge:Write one sentence for each of the six meanings of “even” and write them in the comments!