I still was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I still was" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to express continuity or persistence in a situation or state of being. For example: "I still was feeling a bit uneasy, despite my best efforts to remain calm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"And I still was paying $950".

The New York Times

Then I started thinking, maybe I still was one.

The New York Times

It was an important moment for me to see how hungry I still was.

Independent

"I missed a couple of putts, but I still was able to make some birdies".

The New York Times - Sports

I told her that I still was — and this would prove it!

The New Yorker

But even though others weren't comparing me with Katie, I still was.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I came out in a very different way… but I still was me".

The Guardian

My immediate reaction when I saw him was a HUGE flamer and somewhat rude, but I still was interested.

The New York Times - Magazine

More time would be better, but I still was able to put together a pretty good marathon in eight weeks.

The New York Times - Sports

I told him I still was curious about one thing: why did he think his trial had taken place?

The New York Times - Magazine

When I still was a trainee, I used to work for such a company in the City.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of context; while grammatically correct, overuse can sound repetitive. Consider synonyms like "I remained" or "I continued to be" for stylistic variation.

Common error

While both are grammatically correct, "I still was" often carries a slightly different emphasis. Ensure your word order reflects the intended nuance; "I was still" may be more natural in many contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I still was" functions as a declarative statement indicating the continuation of a state or condition in the past. Ludwig AI and Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in expressing persistence despite circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I still was" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express the continuation of a state or condition. As Ludwig AI's analysis indicates, the phrase is versatile, suitable for various contexts from news and media to personal narratives. While alternatives like "I remained" or "I continued to be" exist, "I still was" offers a direct and often emphatic way to convey persistence. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and acceptance in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was still

Reorders the words, slightly altering the emphasis but retaining the core meaning.

I remained

Focuses on the continuation of a state or condition. Less conversational than the original phrase.

I continued to be

More formal and emphasizes the ongoing nature of the state.

I carried on being

Implies that there was something hindering the state, but the person continued.

I persisted in being

Emphasizes effort and determination in maintaining a state.

I kept being

Informal phrasing, conveys ongoing nature of state in simpler words.

I nevertheless was

Introduces a sense of contrast or unexpectedness, implying that something else might have suggested a different outcome.

I endured as

Suggests perseverance or survival in a specific role or condition.

I was still in the process of

Focuses more on an ongoing action, extending through time in the past.

I yet was

Uses archaic language for effect; implies a sense of surprise or unexpected continuation.

FAQs

How can I use "I still was" in a sentence?

Use "I still was" to indicate a continued state or feeling, often in contrast to an expected change. Example: "Even though the project was delayed, "I still was" optimistic about its outcome".

What's the difference between "I still was" and "I was still"?

While both are grammatically correct, "I still was" can emphasize the "still" more, highlighting the continuation against expectations. "I was still" is often a more neutral phrasing.

What can I say instead of "I still was"?

You can use alternatives like "I remained", "I continued to be", or "I persisted in being" depending on the context.

Is "I still was" formal or informal?

"I still was" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing.