When it comes to Even though or Eventhough, learners often pause, unsure of the right choice. This tiny detail can spark confusion, leaving writers stuck between doubt and clarity, much like standing at a crossroads.
Over time, I learned that even though is the correct form, and it adds flow and sparkle to your writing. Using the wrong version dulls ideas, making them less powerful. As a teacher, I’ve seen that openly addressing mistakes helps learners follow the right path and build confidence.
What surprises many is how a small phrase holds so much weight in writing. Though the answer seems simple, “eventhough” often slips into drafts unnoticed. Once you grasp the right form, your writing gains strength, precision, and a natural shine that leaves no doubt in the reader’s mind.
The Core Confusion: Why People Write “Eventhough”
If you scroll through social media, you’ll notice a surprising number of people writing eventhough. Why? It mostly comes down to how quickly we type and how naturally speech blurs the words together.
In spoken English, even though often sounds like a single word. Phonetically, it runs together: ee-vuhn-thoh. That smoothness can trick the brain into thinking it must also be written as one.
Other factors that fuel the mistake:
- Speed typing: fingers move faster than the mind, dropping spaces.
- Autocorrect issues: some phone keyboards don’t catch the error.
- Learner’s confusion: non-native speakers often assume “eventhough” works like other compound words such as everyday.
According to Google’s Ngram Viewer, usage of eventhough is almost nonexistent in published works, while even though dominates. Yet in casual online text, the typo pops up frequently.
The Correct Form: “Even though”
So, what’s the right way? Always two words: even though.
Grammar role: Even though is a subordinating conjunction. It introduces a dependent clause that shows contrast.
Examples:
- Correct: Even though it rained, the picnic was fun.
- Correct: I applied for the job, even though I didn’t meet every requirement.
Compare it with similar conjunctions:
- Although: Although it rained, the picnic was fun.
- Though: Though it rained, the picnic was fun.
- Despite: Despite the rain, the picnic was fun.
Notice how even though often emphasizes stronger contrast than although or though.
Why “Eventhough” Is Always Incorrect
Unlike some English words that evolved into compound forms (every day → everyday in certain cases), eventhough has never been recognized as standard English.
- No dictionary listings: Neither Merriam-Webster nor the Oxford English Dictionary include eventhough.
- No style guides: The Chicago Manual of Style and AP Stylebook list only even though.
- Typo only: It exists solely as a common typo, not a grammatical variation.
Think of it like this:
| Incorrect | Correct |
| eventhough | even though |
| alot | a lot |
| everytime | every time |
Much like alot isn’t correct, eventhough should be avoided entirely.
Grammar and Origin of “Even though”
To understand why the separation matters, let’s look at where though comes from.
- Old English: The word þeah (pronounced “thah”) meant “nevertheless” or “although.”
- Middle English: It shifted to though, keeping the same meaning.
- Modern English: It became common in phrases like even though to add emphasis.
The phrase even though essentially doubles down on contrast: the “even” adds weight, making the statement stronger than simply saying though.
Example:
- Though she was tired, she kept studying.
- Even though she was exhausted, she kept studying.
The second sentence conveys stronger contrast and effort.
Examples in Real Context
Here’s how even though works in different scenarios:
Everyday Conversation
- I went jogging even though I was sore.
- She smiled even though she was nervous.
Business Communication
- Even though the project faced delays, we met the deadline.
- The company reported growth even though costs increased.
Academic Writing
- The theory holds validity even though empirical evidence remains limited.
- Even though results varied, the trend was consistent.
Correct vs. Incorrect Usage Table
| Sentence | Correct/Incorrect |
| I stayed up late eventhough I was tired. | ❌ Incorrect |
| I stayed up late even though I was tired. | ✅ Correct |
| She joined the meeting eventhough she was sick. | ❌ Incorrect |
| She joined the meeting even though she was sick. | ✅ Correct |
Common Misconceptions
There are a few myths that trip people up:
- “English will eventually accept it.” Wrong. While language evolves, eventhough has no recognition from major style guides or dictionaries.
- “It’s like everyday vs. every day.” Not true. Everyday became an adjective (an everyday problem), but no such shift happened with even though.
- “It doesn’t matter in casual writing.” It does. Typos affect readability and professionalism, even in texts or captions.
Practical Tips to Avoid the Mistake
Here are ways to remember:
- Mnemonic: Even though = even + though. Two words, like two hands shaking.
- Proofreading habit: Pause and reread sentences before sending.
- Grammar tools: Tools like Grammarly or Hemingway catch the typo instantly.
- Voice check: Read the sentence out loud. If you pause naturally, you need a space.
Cross-Cultural & Translation Insights
Many learners of English fall into the trap because translations can mislead.
- Spanish: aunque = although/even though. A single word, so learners sometimes merge it.
- French: même si = even if/even though. Always two words.
- Chinese (Mandarin): 即使 (jíshǐ) = even though. Again, one combined word in Chinese.
- Urdu: bhale he (بہلے ہی) = even though. Spoken as a phrase, sometimes compressed.
Understanding these differences helps explain why learners often type eventhough.
Pronunciation and Phonetics
Phonetics explains part of the confusion.
- In American English, even though is pronounced as: /ˈiːvən ðoʊ/.
- In fast speech, it sounds like evuntho.
Because the sounds blend, it tricks writers into imagining a single word. But no matter how it sounds, the correct spelling always keeps them separate.
Why Accuracy Matters in Everyday Writing
Some might argue, “Who cares? Everyone understands.” But accuracy matters.
- Professional image: In résumés, cover letters, and reports, typos suggest carelessness.
- Academic credibility: A teacher or professor will mark eventhough as a mistake.
- Clarity online: Readers pause when they see unusual spellings, interrupting flow.
A single space can make the difference between polished and sloppy.
Testing Your Knowledge
Let’s put it into practice. Choose the correct version:
- Even though / Eventhough she was late, she still got the job.
- He finished the book even though / eventhough it was long.
- Even though / Eventhough we argued, we remained friends.
Answers: Always even though.
Additional Related Grammar Guides
- Although vs. Even though: What’s the Difference?
- Everyday vs. Every day: How to Get It Right
- Common Grammar Typos That Change Meaning
- American vs. British English: Key Spelling Differences
Final Thoughts
Mastering small details like the difference between “even though” and “eventhough” can elevate your writing in big ways. While it may seem like a minor issue, the truth is that accuracy builds credibility. Whether you’re drafting a professional email, submitting an academic paper, or posting on social media, using the correct phrase ensures clarity and prevents distractions.
Language thrives on precision. A single space distinguishes correct English from a typo that can subtly weaken your message. Think of “even though” as a tool for contrast—a way to show resilience, contradiction, or emphasis in your ideas. In contrast, “eventhough” is nothing more than an error, one that doesn’t exist in dictionaries, style guides, or professional writing.
Developing habits like proofreading, reading aloud, or using grammar tools can make all the difference. Over time, these small adjustments not only improve accuracy but also strengthen your overall command of English.
So next time your fingers type too quickly, pause before hitting send. Ask yourself: do I mean even though? If the answer is yes—and it almost always is—add that space. With consistent practice, the correct form will come naturally.
Your words represent you. Make sure they stand tall, polished, and precise—even though English can sometimes be tricky.
FAQs
What is the correct spelling: “even though” or “eventhough”?
The correct spelling is “even though”—always two words. “Eventhough” is not recognized in any major dictionary or grammar guide. It’s considered a common typo, often caused by fast typing or the way the phrase sounds in spoken English. Using “even though” ensures grammatical accuracy, while “eventhough” will likely be flagged as an error in professional or academic settings.
Why do people mistakenly write “eventhough”?
People often merge “even” and “though” into one word because, when spoken quickly, the phrase sounds blended. Another reason is that some learners confuse it with other compounds like “everyday.” Additionally, autocorrect and fast typing can create the error without the writer noticing. Despite its frequency online, “eventhough” is never correct, and the right form—“even though”—should always be used in writing.
How do I remember the difference between “even though” and “eventhough”?
A simple way is to think of two words = two legs to stand on. Just like both legs are needed for balance, “even” and “though” must remain separate to work properly in grammar. Reading your sentences aloud also helps; you’ll naturally pause between “even” and “though,” signaling the space. For extra support, rely on grammar-checking tools like Grammarly, which will highlight “eventhough” as a mistake.
Is “eventhough” ever accepted in informal writing?
No. Unlike some misspellings or informal contractions that slip into casual use, “eventhough” has never been accepted in English, formal or informal. You may see it online, but that doesn’t make it correct. Even in texts or social media captions, using “even though” reflects attention to detail and helps avoid misunderstandings. Readers might stumble on “eventhough,” but they’ll instantly recognize “even though” as standard English.
What’s the difference between “even though,” “although,” and “though”?
All three introduce contrast, but they vary in emphasis. “Even though” conveys stronger contrast, often stressing surprise: Even though it rained, we had fun. “Although” is slightly softer: Although it rained, we had fun. “Though” works in both formal and informal contexts: Though it rained, we had fun. The choice depends on tone and emphasis, but “even though” adds extra weight compared to the others.
