Even though introduces a fact: Even though it was raining, we went out (it really was raining). Even if introduces a possibility or an imaginary situation: Even if it rains, we’ll go out (we don’t know yet). This page also covers the other contrast linkers that are easy to mix up: although, despite, in spite of, however, whereas.
| Linker | Followed by | Example |
|---|---|---|
| even though / although / though | a clause (a fact) | Even though he was tired, he kept working. |
| even if | a clause (possible or imaginary) | Even if you leave now, you’ll be late. |
| despite / in spite of | a noun or -ing | Despite the rain / Despite feeling ill… |
| despite the fact that | a clause | Despite the fact that it was late… |
| however / nevertheless | a new sentence | It was cheap. However, it broke after a week. |
| whereas / while | a clause (comparing two things) | I like tea, whereas my wife prefers coffee. |
Even if vs even though exercises
Four sets of 20 questions: although vs despite (B1), even if vs even though (B1–B2), advanced and formal linkers (C1), and an At work set. In typed answers, a hint in brackets tells you if something is a fact or only a possibility. Prefer to check everything at the end? Switch to Exam mode.
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it was raining, we went for a walk.
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We went for a walk the rain.
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She passed the exam she didn’t study much. (contrast)
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In spite the traffic, we arrived on time.
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He’s very rich. , he isn’t happy.
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being tired, she finished her homework.
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the bad weather, the match went ahead. (in spite of)
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I like him, he can be annoying sometimes.
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Despite hard, he failed the test.
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The film was good. It was a bit long, . (informal, at the end)
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she’s only ten, she speaks four languages.
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He went to work feeling ill.
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The hotel was expensive, the rooms were small.
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In spite of (have) a map, we got lost.
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the fact that it was late, they kept working.
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I was hungry, I didn’t eat anything.
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The test was difficult. , most students passed.
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She didn’t get the job her experience. (contrast + noun)
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We enjoyed the trip it rained every day.
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He’s a good player. He’s not very fast, .
Teachers: download these questions as a printable worksheet with an answer key. It’s free to use in class.
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it rains tomorrow, we’ll still have the picnic.
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it rained all day, we enjoyed the picnic.
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I wouldn’t eat that you paid me.
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She went to work she had a terrible cold.
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I had more money, I wouldn’t buy that car.
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He didn’t apologise, he knew he was wrong.
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you’re right, you shouldn’t shout at people. (maybe you’re right, maybe not)
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I’ll finish this report tonight it takes me until midnight.
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They bought the house it was very expensive.
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he’s my best friend, I don’t agree with him.
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she lives next door, I hardly ever see her. (it’s a fact)
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you leave now, you won’t catch the train.
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I can’t sleep I’m really tired.
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we lose this match, we’ll still be in the final.
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He kept running his leg hurt. (it really hurt)
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Don’t tell anyone, they ask you.
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it was his birthday, nobody called him.
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I wouldn’t go there they invited me. (they haven’t)
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She smiled she was sad.
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the shop is closed when we get there, we can go to the one next door.
Teachers: download these questions as a printable worksheet with an answer key. It’s free to use in class.
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I admire his talent, I can’t stand his attitude.
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My sister loves sport, I prefer reading.
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hard I try, I can’t remember her name.
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The plan was risky. , we decided to go ahead.
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the fact that he was injured, he played the whole match.
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The results were positive, not as good as we’d hoped.
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what people say, I’m going to do it.
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some people like the new design, others hate it.
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It was a lovely evening. It was a bit expensive, .
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his age, he still runs marathons.
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She’s very talented. , she needs more experience. (but, in a new sentence)
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tired she was, she kept working.
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He failed the exam, having studied for months.
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you may think, I’m not angry.
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The job is well paid. It’s also very stressful, . (informal, end of sentence)
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it may seem strange, I enjoy doing housework.
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I’ll support you you decide.
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her efforts, the project failed. (formal)
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We’ll go ahead with the plan the weather.
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Even , I still think we made the right decision.
Teachers: download these questions as a printable worksheet with an answer key. It’s free to use in class.
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the project was difficult, we finished on time.
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We won the contract the strong competition.
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I’ll send the report today I have to stay late. (it may happen)
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Sales increased this year. , profits fell.
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having a small team, we delivered the project on time.
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He got the job he had no experience.
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In spite the delays, the client was happy.
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Our team is based in London, the sales team works from Madrid.
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We’ll launch the product in May the testing isn’t finished.
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the fact that sales were low, the CEO gave everyone a bonus.
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I like my job. The salary isn’t great, . (informal, end of sentence)
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the meeting was long, it was very productive.
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hard we try, we can’t please every customer.
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The new software is useful, a little expensive.
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the bad reviews, the product sold well. (contrast + noun)
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Our profits were lower this year. , we’re still in a strong position.
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I wouldn’t accept that offer they doubled the salary.
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I understand your concerns, we have to make this decision.
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She’s the best candidate, she’s the youngest. (it’s a fact)
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We’ll deliver on time, what happens.
Teachers: download these questions as a printable worksheet with an answer key. It’s free to use in class.
A quick test: is it true?
Before you choose, ask yourself if the situation after the linker is real. If yes, use even though. If you don’t know, or it’s imaginary, use even if.
- Even though she lives next door, I hardly see her. (she does live next door)
- I wouldn’t do it even if you paid me. (you’re not paying me)
- We’ll finish today even if it takes all night. (maybe it will, maybe not)
Common mistakes
- ❌ Despite it was raining, we went out. → ✅ Although it was raining… / Despite the rain…
- ❌ In spite the traffic… → ✅ In spite of the traffic…
- ❌ Although he was tired, but he kept working. → ✅ Although he was tired, he kept working. (don’t use but as well)
- ❌ Even though it rains tomorrow, we’ll go. → ✅ Even if it rains tomorrow…
FAQ
Is “even though” stronger than “although”?
Yes. Both introduce a fact, but even though adds emphasis: it shows the result is more surprising. Though is the most informal of the three and is the only one that can also go at the end of a sentence: It was a good film. A bit long, though.
Can “however” mean “no matter how”?
Yes, when it’s followed by an adjective or adverb: However hard I try, I can’t remember her name. Used alone at the start of a sentence with a comma, it means “but”: It was cheap. However, it was badly made.
What does “albeit” mean?
Albeit is a formal word for although, used before an adjective, adverb or short phrase, not a full clause: The results were positive, albeit not as good as we’d hoped. You’ll mostly see it in academic and business writing.