Spoonful #85: EVEN, JUST'S BEST FRIEND

EVEN though    EVEN or Odd    EVEN = equal    EVEN = flat and smooth

There are many valid uses of the root word EVEN. But EVEN (like its pal JUST) has a way of sneaking into sentences a wee bit too often.

Typically, the intention behind adding EVEN is to impart emphasis.
Below, I'll share 3 sentences and provide guidance about when it's appropriate to let EVEN stay and when you should ask EVEN to leave. In each example, imagine the characters are a 16-year-old boy and his father. 

EXAMPLE #1:
"I moved the lawn and even cleaned out the garage! Please let me go to the beach with my friends! "

STAY? If the father has repeatedly been asking his son to clean out the garage, or is bothered by the state of the garage, then yes, emphasis is warranted. 

LEAVE? If this is the first time this point is mentioned, hit delete. "I mowed the lawn and cleaned out the garage! " is more direct and appropriate in this case. 

​EXAMPLE #2: 
"I don't even get off work until 10:30PM. I'll be too tired to take out the trash when I get home."

STAY? If this is the last point the boy is making to strengthen his case, then let EVEN stay.

LEAVE? If this is the only point the boy is making, EVEN isn't necessary. Try instead, "I don't get off work until 10:30. I'll be too tired to take out the trash when I get home."

EXAMPLE #3:
"The score was tied at 3-3 even, and I scored two of the runs!"

STAY? Nope! Tied = EVEN, so this is a case of unnecessary repetition. Scored and score are similar too. 

LEAVE? Yes! Try this instead: "We tied at 3-3, and I scored two of the runs!" See how the meaning is unchanged? 

I'm enjoying an e-book right now with well-drawn characters, intriguing world building, and a fresh take on a popular Disney story. However, I can't help but notice there's glaring overuse of EVEN. So this is my advice to writers everywhere: before you hit submit, do a JUST-check and an EVEN-check of your work! 

Thank you for reading and sharing my latest spoonful. It's good to be back! If you wish to comment on this or any post, click on the word "Comments" directly below. 

Sincerely,
Laura F Cooper