"Even if" statements

Use the examples with their context and limits. Recall a sentence before reading the model. Original teaching additions accompany examples adapted from Chinese Grammar Wiki (AllSet Learning, CC BY-NC-SA); see the course reference provenance.

即使 … ，也 … (even if)

A conceded case need not be a prediction

• You intend to go despite possible rain.
• 即使下雨，我也要去。 — The decision remains even in the rain case.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is 即使 … ，也 … (even if). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
• Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.

even if即使jí shǐrain下雨xià yǔ，I我wǒstill也yěwill要yàogo去qù。

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, 即使下雨，我也要去。: The decision remains even in the rain case.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• The wording does not assert that rain will occur.
• 即使 can also concede an actual case in context, so hypothetical does not mean always unreal.

Use the distinction

• The decision remains even in the rain case.
• The wording does not assert that rain will occur. 即使 can also concede an actual case in context, so hypothetical does not mean always unreal.

Try it with help closed

You intend to go despite possible rain. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

One possible response: 即使下雨，我也要去。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• The wording does not assert that rain will occur.
• 即使 can also concede an actual case in context, so hypothetical does not mean always unreal.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.