Usage of 甚至
The adverb 甚至 is used to emphasize an extreme or surprising example within a statement. It often translates as "even" or "so much so that" in English. It highlights something unexpected or beyond the usual scope.
Common contexts
- To stress an extreme case or example that supports the previous statement.
- To indicate something surprising or beyond expectation.
Typical collocations
- 甚至连 (shènzhì lián): "even..." used to emphasize inclusion of something unexpected.
- 甚至被 (shènzhì bèi): "even being..." often used in passive constructions.
Nuances
Using 甚至 adds a strong emphasis and can sometimes imply a contrast or surprise. It is more formal than just using 连 alone. Avoid confusing 甚至 with 甚至于, which is more formal and literary.
Example
他工作很努力，甚至加班到深夜。 He works very hard, even working overtime until late at night.
This shows that the overtime is an extreme example of his hard work.