Last updated on May 7th, 2025 at 06:49 am
The English language is full of tricky word pairs, and “eventhough” vs. “even though” is one that frequently causes confusion.
Some people mistakenly write eventhough as a single word, assuming it functions like “although” or “nevertheless.” However, in American English, “even though” is the correct form.
This guide will clarify why the two-word phrase is standard and why “eventhough” is incorrect.
Is it “eventhough” or “even though”? The correct phrase is “even though,” written as two words. Learn why “eventhough” is incorrect, how to use “even though” properly, and memory tricks to avoid this mistake!
Origin and Correct Usage of “Even though” in American English
The phrase “even though” is a subordinating conjunction, meaning it connects two clauses while introducing contrast. It has been a part of English for centuries, with its roots tracing back to Old and Middle English constructions.
Correct usage:
- “Even though it was raining, they went for a walk.”
- “She finished the marathon even though she was exhausted.”
Here, “even though” highlights a contrast between two ideas. The key takeaway? It must always be written as two separate words.
The Importance of Keeping Words Separate
Unlike compound words such as “nevertheless” or “nonetheless,” “even though” functions as a phrase rather than a single lexical unit.
Combining the words into “eventhough” is incorrect because there is no officially recognized usage of it in any standard dictionary or style guide.
Key reasons to keep “even though” separate:
- It follows grammatical rules for subordinating conjunctions.
- Style guides, dictionaries, and academic references all confirm it should be two words.
- Combining it into “eventhough” is a spelling error, not an alternative form.
How Popular Usage Dictates Correct Spelling
Language evolves based on common usage, but just because something appears frequently online doesn’t mean it’s correct.
Some mistakenly write “eventhough” because of phonetic influence, assuming it follows patterns of similar words like “although.”
However, this incorrect spelling does not appear in reputable sources such as Merriam-Webster or The Chicago Manual of Style.
Evaluating Sources: Dictionaries and Style Guides
Reliable references confirm that “even though” should remain two words. Let’s examine what trusted sources say:
| Source | Correct Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Merriam-Webster | Even though | No listing for “eventhough.” |
| Oxford English Dictionary | Even though | Recognized as a subordinating conjunction. |
| The Chicago Manual of Style | Even though | Prefers two-word structure for clarity. |
| AP Stylebook | Even though | Advises keeping words separate in journalistic writing. |
Since no major reference supports “eventhough” as a valid form, it’s best to avoid it entirely.
Common Misconceptions About “Eventhough”
- “Eventhough” is an alternative spelling. ❌ Incorrect
- No major dictionary recognizes “eventhough” as an alternative.
- “Eventhough” is used in British English. ❌ Incorrect
- British and American English both recognize “even though” as the correct form.
- Social media makes “eventhough” acceptable. ❌ Incorrect
- Frequent mistakes online don’t override grammatical rules.
Examples in Context: Using “Even though” Correctly
Seeing the phrase in action helps reinforce proper usage. Here are a few correct and incorrect examples:
✅ Correct:
- “Even though I was late, they still let me in.”
- “She stayed calm even though the situation was stressful.”
- “Even though he apologized, she remained upset.”
❌ Incorrect:
- “Eventhough I was late, they still let me in.”
- “She stayed calm eventhough the situation was stressful.”
- “Eventhough he apologized, she remained upset.”
Cultural Insights: Translations of “Even though” Around the World
Many languages have equivalents of “even though,” but they often take different structural forms. Here are some examples:
| Language | Translation | Literal Meaning |
| Spanish | Aunque | “Although” or “even though.” |
| French | Même si | “Even if.” |
| German | Obwohl | “Although” or “even though.” |
| Italian | Anche se | “Even if.” |
| Japanese | けれども (keredomo) | “But” or “even though.” |
These variations illustrate how other languages convey contrast similarly but do not combine words as in the incorrect “eventhough.”
Practical Tips to Remember the Difference
- Break it down: Think of “even though” as two words that can function separately in a sentence. “Even” modifies “though,” reinforcing contrast.
- Use a mnemonic device: “Even though it’s two words, some people try to make it one.”
- Check your writing: If you’re unsure, type “eventhough” into a dictionary—if it doesn’t appear, you know it’s incorrect.
- Compare with similar phrases: “Even if,” “even so,” and “even then” are all two-word phrases, reinforcing the pattern.
Phonetic Clues in Pronunciation
One reason “eventhough” is mistakenly written as one word may be due to the way it sounds in speech. However, breaking down pronunciation highlights why it remains separate:
- “Even” is pronounced /ˈiː.vən/
- “Though” is pronounced /ðoʊ/
Even when spoken quickly, the slight pause or distinction remains, reinforcing that they are separate words.
Why Typos Can Lead to Misunderstandings
A simple typo can make text appear unprofessional, especially in academic or business writing. Writing “eventhough” instead of “even though” might:
- Weaken credibility in formal settings.
- Cause confusion in ESL (English as a Second Language) learners.
- Trigger grammar corrections in professional documents.
FAQs
1. Is “eventhough” a correct spelling?
No, “eventhough” is incorrect. The correct phrase is “even though,” which is always written as two words.
2. Why do people mistakenly write “eventhough” instead of “even though”?
The mistake happens because of phonetic influence and comparisons to words like “although.” However, “eventhough” is not recognized in English dictionaries.
3. What does “even though” mean?
“Even though” is a subordinating conjunction that introduces contrast. Example: “Even though it was raining, they went for a walk.”
4. How can I remember the correct spelling of “even though”?
Try this mnemonic: “Even though it’s two words, some people try to make it one!”
5. Can “even though” be replaced with “although”?
Yes, in some cases. Example:
✅ “Even though it was late, he stayed.”
✅ “Although it was late, he stayed.”
However, “even though” is often stronger in contrast than “although.”
6. Is “eventhough” used in British English?
No, both British and American English recognize “even though” as the correct form. “Eventhough” is simply a spelling mistake.
Applying Your Knowledge: Enhancing Grammatical Accuracy
Now that you understand why “even though” should always be two words, here’s how to apply this knowledge:
- Practice writing sentences using “even though” to reinforce the habit.
- Check grammar tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor to catch potential mistakes.
- Read reputable sources (news articles, books, academic journals) to see correct usage in context.
Conclusion
Although “eventhough” may look like a legitimate word at first glance, it is not grammatically correct. Understanding why “even though” remains two words ensures clear, professional, and grammatically sound writing.
By keeping this distinction in mind, you’ll avoid a common mistake and communicate more effectively in American English.
