Subordinating conjunctions for contrast are used to introduce Adverb clause of contrast. Even though and even if are subordinating conjunctions express strongest contrast compare to although and though.
Both Even though and even if look same; but, have completely different meanings and usages. Here, Even though is used to describe real contrasting situation; whereas, even if is preferred to describe hypothetical situation which may not be true.
Understanding even though and even if subordinating conjunctions for contrast
In English, there are a lot of subordinating conjunctions used to introduce the dependent or subordinating clauses.
“Even though” is used to describe the extreme contrast or unusual surprising yet real idea to the main clause.
On the other hand, “even if” is used in the higher level of conditional sentences to describe hypothetical or speculative imagination that may not be true.
In both conjunctions, “even” adverb is added that implies surprising extreme or contrary to expectations.
Examples of even though and even if conjunctions
- Though,
- Although
- Even though,
- Notwithstanding
- Even if— subordinating conjunctions.
All these subordinating conjunctions have more or less same meaning but difference in degree of surprise.
The hidden meaning of these conjunctions is “In spite of” or “despite that”.
Now let’s see the correct use of even though and even if with simple method.
Structure of even though and even if
A) Even though + clause of contrast + comma + main clause
B) Main clause + even though + clause of contrast
It is used for greater or extreme contrast in the sentence. And, it is much more stronger compare to other subordinating conjunctions, such as, although and though.
Rules for usages of even though and even if
It should connect two clauses – main clause + depending clause.
Depending clause should derive it’s meaning from main clause.
Subordinating clause expressed by this conjunction should be used to describe unusual, or surprising ideas for main clause.
Comma is essential when the sentence is begun with subordinating conjunctions.
- It was a drought resistance species.
- It failed to survive in the ongoing severity of heat wave.
Complex sentence — Even though it was a drought resistance species, it failed to survive in the ongoing severity of heat wave.
- He is well known short tempered man.
- He remained calm and cool even after a lot of criticism.
Second, Even though he is well known short tempered man, he remained calm and cool even after a lot of criticism.
- The global economy is slowing down rapidly.
- Many countries are busy in imposing trade tariffs in imported goods.
Third, Even though global economy is slowing down rapidly, many countries are busy in imposing trade tariffs on imported goods.
Usages of even if
- A) Even if + conditional clause + comma + main clause.
- B) Main clause +even if + conditional clause
Let’s look at the following useful examples.
Even if you show your willingness, you will not be the part of team.
He is a big liar. Nobody trusts him even if he tells universal truth.
I wouldn’t support him even if I were rich.
In all these examples, nothing has happened. It is just speculative imagination. So, no reality is there.
However and nevertheless conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions of time
Adversative coordinating conjunctions
“But and Yet” Contrasting conjunctions