I was still

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was still" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a state or condition continued to exist at a particular time in the past. Example: "I was still waiting for the bus when it started to rain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was still confused.

The New Yorker

I was still starving.

The New York Times - Travel

I was still me.

The New Yorker

I was still standing.

The New Yorker

I was still puzzled.

The New Yorker

I was still drinking.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was still handcuffed.

The New York Times

I was still angry".

The New York Times

"I was still terrified.

The New York Times - Books

"And I was still isolating.

The New York Times

So, I was still fine.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was still" to clearly indicate that a state, condition, or action was ongoing at a specific time in the past. This provides continuity and context to your writing.

Common error

Ensure the context makes it clear when the "still" applies. Without a clear time frame, the phrase can be confusing. For example, specify "I was still working at 10 PM" instead of simply "I was still working".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was still" serves as a stative verb phrase, indicating the continuation of a state, condition, or action in the past. As shown in the examples, "I was still confused" or "I was still angry", this phrase functions to maintain the timeline, to describe a situation and set the stage for additional context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was still" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate the continuation of a state or action in the past. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s commonly found in news and media contexts. To ensure clarity, provide a specific time frame when using the phrase. Alternatives include "I remained" or "I continued to be". Pay special attention to context, choosing the alternative which gives the correct and consistent meaning in the text.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I continued to be

Focuses on the continuation of a state or condition more explicitly.

I remained

Emphasizes persistence in a particular state or location.

I found myself still

Emphasizes surprise or realization of the continued state.

At that point, I remained

Specifies a particular moment when the state continued.

I persisted in being

Highlights a determined continuation despite potential obstacles.

I kept being

Indicates a repeated or habitual continuation of a state.

Even then, I was

Adds a sense of contrast or surprise regarding the ongoing state.

Up to that moment, I was

Emphasizes the duration of a state leading up to a specific time.

I was nonetheless

Introduces a contrast, suggesting that despite something else, the state continued.

I was yet

Indicates something is still in the future but expected.

FAQs

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

Use "I was still" to express that an action or state continued up to a certain point in the past. For example, "I was still waiting for the bus when it started to rain."

What are some alternatives to "I was still"?

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

Is it correct to say "I am still" instead of "I was still"?

The choice between "I am still" and "I was still" depends on the time frame. Use "I am still" to describe a current, ongoing situation, and "I was still" to describe a situation that was ongoing at a specific point in the past.

What's the difference between "I was still" and "I am no longer"?

"I was still" indicates a state that continued until a certain point, while "I am no longer" indicates a state that has ceased. For example, "I was still angry yesterday, but I am no longer angry today."