Even if and even though: condition or fact?

The idea

Even if introduces a possibility or hypothetical condition; the main result holds whether or not it happens. Even though introduces a fact that makes the main clause surprising. Either clause can come first; use a comma after an introductory clause.

Examples

• Even if the train is late, Maya will attend the meeting.
• Even though the train was late, Maya attended the meeting.
• We'll open the garden even if the sky stays cloudy.
• Even though the soup was cold, Amir enjoyed it.
• I would keep the painting even if nobody else liked it.
• The children played outside even though it was windy.

Watch out

Do not use even though to present an uncertain future event as a mere possibility. For a future condition, normally use the present tense after even if, not will.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the option that fits the stated context. The forecast is uncertain. ___ it snows tomorrow, the clinic will stay open. (even if / even though)

   Show answer or example answer

   even if

   even if: snow is only a possibility in the forecast.

2. Choose the option that fits the stated context. The lights were out, but the concert happened. ___ the lights were out, the concert went ahead. (even if / even though)

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   even though

   even though: the lights really were out, yet the concert happened.

3. Choose the option that fits the stated context. The price might rise. Leo will buy the ticket ___ the price rises. (even if / even though)

   Show answer or example answer

   even if

   even if: Leo plans to buy the ticket whether the price rises or not.

Use it today

Choose the connector that matches each stated context, then write your own example of each.