almost still

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost still" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state that is very close to being motionless or quiet, but not entirely so. Example: "The lake was almost still, with only the slightest ripple disturbing its surface."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

From here it appeared quiet, almost still.

The New Yorker

He stood almost still, emotionless, overwhelmed.

The New York Times

"Now, it's almost still summer.

The Guardian

It's not just Spain, where it's almost still like that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Now there was a weird, almost still atmosphere.

The Guardian - Sport

Under the X-rays, the heart appeared about five times its normal size and almost still.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

THE Welsh Assembly was almost still-born.

The Economist

We hear a lot about the death of the author, but William Golding is an author who was almost still-born.

The Guardian - Books

Not long ago, a bed-headed brunette appeared wearing nothing but a sailor shirt in a silent and almost-still video on the J. Crew homepage.

The New York Times

While the band's singer, Jim Osterberg, better known as Iggy Pop, dominated the show with his riveting theatrics, it was the almost-still guitarist, Ron Asheton, who supplied Osterberg with much of what he channeled.

The New York Times - Magazine

The scenery is breathtaking, from wide flats of almost-still black water to churning white water or misty ravines of fast-flowing water, hemmed in by sheer black stone walls topped by dense jungle.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene or object that appears still but has subtle movement, "almost still" is a precise and evocative choice. Use it to create a sense of tranquility or anticipation.

Common error

Avoid using "almost still" when describing actions or scenes that are inherently dynamic or rapidly changing. It's best suited for situations where a sense of stillness is intended but not fully achieved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost still" functions primarily as an adjectival modifier, describing a noun by indicating a state close to stillness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. It adds nuance by suggesting that something is not perfectly still, but very nearly so. Examples include describing water, air, or even a person's posture.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "almost still" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe something nearing a state of complete stillness. Ludwig AI validates its appropriateness for English writing. Its versatility allows it to be applied in diverse contexts, ranging from describing serene landscapes to subtle human actions. While highly versatile, avoid misusing in inherently dynamic scenarios. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles, as evidenced by its prevalence in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly motionless

Focuses on the lack of movement, emphasizing the static quality.

virtually still

Highlights the state as being effectively still, even if minor movements exist.

practically unmoving

Emphasizes the absence of significant movement.

scarcely moving

Underscores the minimal amount of movement present.

barely in motion

Suggests a very slight degree of movement.

almost stationary

Highlights the lack of change in position.

in a state of near stillness

Formally expresses a condition approaching complete stillness.

next to no movement

Informally indicates a very small amount of motion.

on the verge of stillness

Implies an impending state of complete quiet.

approaching immobility

Suggests a transition towards a state of being unable to move.

FAQs

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

You can use "almost still" to describe something that appears to be not moving, but has subtle movement. For example: "The lake was "almost still", with only the slightest ripple disturbing its surface."

What are some alternatives to "almost still"?

Alternatives include "nearly motionless", "virtually still", or "scarcely moving", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "almost still" grammatically correct?

Yes, "almost still" is grammatically correct and functions as an adverb-adjective phrase modifying a noun. It is commonly used in descriptive writing.

What is the difference between "almost still" and "completely still"?

"Almost still" indicates that there is a very slight amount of movement, while "completely still" means there is absolutely no movement. The choice depends on the accuracy of your description.