tím spíše, že

All the More Because

Level 6

Tím spíše, že translates to "all the more because" or "especially since." It connects two clauses, where the second clause provides an extra, undeniable reason that makes the first clause even more true, necessary, or expected.

How It Works

Syntax and Punctuation:
The phrase introduces a declarative subordinate clause containing a finite verb. Standard orthography requires a comma before the entire phrase when it connects to a preceding clause. According to Czech punctuation rules for multi-word conjunctions, variant punctuation is allowed: the internal comma can be placed either before že (e.g., ..., tím spíše, že...) or omitted entirely (e.g., ..., tím spíše že...). The phrase can also be placed at the absolute beginning of a sentence to refer back to the context of the previous sentence. The entire phrase tím spíše že acts as a single complex conjunction occupying the first syntactic position, which is why clitics come immediately after it (e.g., ..., tím spíše(,) že se to stalo včera.). A highly frequent collocation used to amplify this phrase is ..., a to tím spíše(,) že... (and all the more so because). In negative contexts, the phrase can become tím spíše ne (all the more reason not to / even less so). A highly frequent and natural synonym for this negative usage is natož or natožpak (let alone / much less), which is an important equivalent for learners to know (e.g., To neudělám já, natož on.). Additionally, tím spíše (or the more colloquial tím spíš) can stand alone in a main clause without že to mean 'all the more reason to'. In such cases, it has flexible placement and frequently appears later in the sentence, such as after the conjunction a (e.g., ... a tím spíše to musíme udělat.). When used as a standalone phrase for heavy emphasis, especially in the negative, it is commonly placed at the very end of the sentence (e.g., To neudělám, tím spíše ne.). Furthermore, tím spíše frequently modifies simple noun phrases, prepositional phrases, or infinitives without forming a full clause (e.g., To platí pro všechny, a tím spíše pro nás.).

Crucial Distinctions:

  • Tím spíše, že vs. Tím více, že: While the conjunctional phrases tím spíše(,) že and tím více(,) že are frequently used interchangeably to express logical justification ("all the more because"), there is a slight nuance. Spíše leans towards logical weight or probability, whereas více leans slightly more towards intensity or quantity.
  • Tím spíše, že vs. Zvláště když: když introduces a condition or temporal state ("especially when/if"), whereas že introduces a concrete, established fact.
  • Tím spíše, když/pokud: Tím spíše frequently pairs directly with když or pokud (e.g., ..., tím spíše(,) když...) to mean "all the more so when/if". This is used when the justification is conditional rather than an established fact.
  • Čím ..., tím spíše ...: The phrase is also used in the comparative correlative structure meaning "the [comparative] ..., the more likely ...". For example: Čím více trénuješ, tím spíše vyhraješ.

Register:
The full form tím spíše(,) že is formal and standard, highly frequent in journalism, academic writing, and official contexts. When spoken aloud, tím spíše sounds quite formal or literary. In everyday spoken Czech, the shortened form tím spíš is overwhelmingly preferred. In highly informal or spoken Czech, the slang word kor is frequently used as an equivalent (e.g., kor když..., kor ne...).

Examples (4)

  1. Opatření je nutné, tím spíše, že počet případů roste.

    The measure is necessary, all the more because the number of cases is rising.

    Word by Word: Measure is necessary, by-that rather, that number of-cases grows.

    A formal, standard usage typical of journalism or official statements. The rising cases provide an escalating logical justification for the measure.

  2. Tento návrh považujeme za velmi důležitý, tím spíše, že se situace zhoršuje.

    We consider this proposal very important, especially since the situation is worsening.

    Word by Word: This proposal we-consider as very important, by-that rather, that itself situation worsens.

    Demonstrates how the phrase connects a strong main clause with an even stronger supporting fact.

  3. Do Prahy se těším, tím spíš, že jsem tam dlouho nebyl.

    I am looking forward to Prague, all the more so because I haven't been there in a long time.

    Word by Word: To Prague myself I-look-forward, by-that rather, that I-am there long-time not-been.

    Uses the shortened variant 'tím spíš, že', which is ubiquitous in everyday spoken Czech.

  4. Nebudu si kupovat nové auto, tím spíše, že to staré ještě funguje.

    I won't buy a new car, especially since the old one still works.

    Word by Word: Not-I-will to-myself to-buy new car, by-that rather, that that old still functions.

    Shows the pattern used to justify a negative decision with a concrete, established fact.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'protože' instead of 'že'.

    Opatření je nutné, tím spíše, protože počet případů roste.
    Opatření je nutné, tím spíše, že počet případů roste.

    The phrase 'tím spíše' already carries the causal meaning. Adding protože creates an awkward redundancy. You must use the neutral conjunction 'že'.

  • Confusing the adverb 'spíše' with the noun 'spíže'.

    Je to pravda, tím spíže, že to viděl.
    Je to pravda, tím spíše, že to viděl.

    'Spíše' is the comparative adverb meaning 'rather'. 'Spíže' is a form of the noun 'spíž' (pantry). This is a common spelling error.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

tím spíše, žeLevel 6All the More Because

Learn This First

To understand 'tím spíše, že', a learner needs to be familiar with how 'že' introduces subordinate clauses and how comparative adverbs function. The construction uses the instrumental form of the demonstrative 'ten' ('tím') to intensify the comparative 'spíše', creating a logical link that strengthens a previous statement with an additional reason.

Words in This Pattern

spíšetím