ENGLISH
REFERENCE

not even

fixed phr..
B1 Intermediate Oxford

fixed phr.. you use this to emphasize that something is surprising because it is so small or unlikely. it shows that even the most basic or simple thing did not happen.

fixed phr.. an emphatic negative particle used to highlight an extreme or surprising case of absence or failure. it functions as an intensifier for a negative statement, often focusing on a minimal unit of measure or expectation.


SIMPLE

I don't have a dollar, not even a cent.

CONTEXTUAL

The movie was so boring that not even the children stayed awake until the end.

COMPLEX

The evidence presented by the prosecution was remarkably weak, failing to provide not even a single fingerprint from the crime scene.

Usage

often used to introduce a more extreme example of a negative situation.

Teaching tip

teach this as an intensifier for 'not'; it often follows a comma to add a surprising detail that makes the first part of the sentence stronger.

Pitfall

He didn't even not say hello.He didn't even say hello.avoid double negatives; 'not even' usually follows a negative verb or starts a phrase that emphasizes a lack of something.

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