"even if" opposition or condition

Question

hi. i am confused with the subordinating conjunction "even if". some sources say it is under the adverb clauses - condition, others say it is in opposition.
i cannot even tell the difference. thanks for your help.

btw...when discussing the opposition type of adv clause is it also the same with concession /supposition? if not, how are they different? thanks so much.

Philip · Accepted Answer

I am not an expert in this type of labeling. My feeling is that "if" certainly makes it a condition. Adding the word "even" makes it a case of opposition, because the speaker obviously doubts that it will happen.

If he went to the party, he would probably feel alone because he knows nobody who will be there.

Even if he went to the party, he would......

Yankee · Answer

I think the best way to get a feel for "even if" is to see it used in context -- lots of different contexts. You can find plenty of examples in the BNC and/or COCA.

In Philip's first example,the word "if" refers to a condition that is not very probable. In other words, the speaker sees his going to the party as being more theoretical than real.

The word "even" is frequently used to add emphasis. To me, the addition of "even" in Philip's example stresses the improbability of his going to the party. In addition, I would say that the use of "even if" also adds the sense that no matter whether the condition is fulfilled or not, the result will be the same.

**************************

Let's look at a different example:

Imagine that John was unfairly fired from his job, and there is now a legal battle going on between John and his previous employer. Let's say that it seems probable that John will win the court case:

- If John wins the case, his previous employer will have to offer to rehire him.
PROBABLE CONDITION = John wins the case

RESULT of the condition being fulfilled = employer offers John a job

Now, let's add some emphasis to the probable condition:

- Even if John wins the case, he will not go back to work for that company.

PROBABLE CONDITION = John wins the case

RESULT, no matter whether the condition is fulfilled or not = Win or lose, John will not go back to work for that company.

"even if" opposition or condition

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions