even though vs. even if

[Bboy]

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-from article No. 466 on the Free Talk board (written by Karen)-

.....Then, Hong, Myeongbo released a powerful goal from almost a half line. Even if not scoring a goal, it brought out a great effect.....

Correction: Even if --> Even though

Karen: bboy! I got a question. I thought "Even if" and "Even though" are the same. Plz, explain the difference between these two expressions...

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Even though both the two phrases are translated into Korean as `비록~할지라도’, there’s a huge difference between the two. Compare:

1. even though~ -> despite the fact that~ (~임에도 불구하고)

Even though is to introduce a `known" fact or event. 

-Even though it’s raining, I have to go there.

You look out the window and see it’s raining, or you ask your mom if it’s raining and she says yes. But you still have to go out. The thing is that you `do’ know it’s actually raining outside.

-Sweetie, where are you going? It’s pouring outside!

-I know, but I’ve got an important meeting in thirty minutes. Even though it’s raining, I have to go there.

2. even if~ -> (no matter) whether or not~ (~이든 아니든)

Even if is used as a kind of subjuctive mood(가정법).

-Even if it’s raining, I have to go there.

In this case, you’re not sure if it’s raining right now. However, you couldn"t care less.

-Mom, Is it raining?

-Well, I’m not sure. Why don’t you draw the curtain aside and check it out?

-Okay, but even if it’s raining, I have to go to the party anyway.

Here are some more example sentences. Try to get the feel of the difference.

-Most of us ignore this good advice, even though we know it to be true. (Macmillan Dictionary)

-Even though I have a master’s degree in business administration, I can’t fill out my tax form. (Macmillan Dictionary)

-Even though they loved each other, they decided to part. (Longman Dictionary)

-I can’t still remember, even though it was so long ago. (Longman Dictionary)

-Even though he left school at 16, he still managed to become prime minister. (Cambridge Dictionary)

-He’s determined to prove his innocence, even if he has to go to the highest court in the land. (Macmillan Dictionary)

-Charlie’s going to have problems finding a job even if she gets herself A levels. (Longman Dictionary)

-Even if you take a taxi, you"ll still miss your train. (Cambridge Dictionary)

Back to your sentence `Even if not scoring a goal, it brought out a great effect.’, it’s quite evident that Hong’s long shot did not score a goal. Hence, you should put `even though’ instead of even if.

[유진승]

Thank you very much for your excellent explanation. Can I move this to the 영작 Tips board for everyone to see? Just one thing: 2. "Even though it’s raining, I have to go there." Did you mean to say "Even if" here?

[유진승]

Also, it would be better if you can put some color on the parts where you define the meaning of "even though" and "even if". Thanks.

[bboy]

My bad. I've just made a correction, and added some color as well. It'd be my great pleasure if you'd moved this to the 영작 Tips board. I think it's me who should be thankful. ^^;

[유진승]

Thank you. Also, for the sake of those who do not know the context, could you put Karen's question at the beginning?

[유진승]

bboy. Your piece is now in the new place. The title needs to be changed--"Re" should be taken off. Also, I think I didn't make myself clear when I asked for the question. I am concerned about the people who read this without the previous conversation. When they get to the last paragraph, where

[유진승]

you say "back to your sentence...", they would not know what you are talking about and where the sentence "Even if not scoring..." comes from. So you will have to mention this sentence together with the question at the beginning.

[bboy]

I think you've forgotten that once my article’s been moved here I’m no more entitled to change its contents and that only you, the master of this café, can do so. So I'd like you to move this piece back to the Free Talk board for me to put some more touches as you want,

[bboy]

or you may do so yourself right here, that'll save you the trouble of moving it back here and there.

[유진승]

Oh, so much to do! I forgot that. Actually, I can't change somebody's contents or title. So I will have to put it back and then bring it back.