appears to be still

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appears to be still" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that seems to be motionless or unchanged at a particular moment. Example: "The lake appears to be still, reflecting the clear blue sky above."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

He appears to be still stuck in steamy, Destricted mode.

The Guardian - Film

He appears to be still reconsidering the pattern, still seeking the vital detail.

The New Yorker

✒W1A, meanwhile, appears to be still continuing, but in reality rather than on screen.

The Guardian

And yet for many of us in Britain, HIV appears to be still a distant threat.

The Guardian

Lee's three other colleagues are free on bail in the mainland, but Gui appears to be still detained without charge.

The Guardian

Another of the plays, "I'm Here," by Susan Batson and Zina Jasper, was showcased in New York and appears to be still a work in progress.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

In his letter, the Governor appeared to be still wrestling with this issue.

The New York Times

An hour later, when I walked back up Patrick, she appeared to be still haggling.

The New York Times - Travel

Despite this, his more intangible qualities appear to be still in full bloom.

The Guardian - Sport

Others who were detained appeared to be still in custody or sent back to their home countries.

The New York Times

Now the youngest of the criminals, who appeared to be still in his teens, scaled the steps to the platform.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "appears to be still" to indicate a situation that hasn't changed when a direct observation or definitive statement isn't possible.

Common error

Avoid redundant uses of "still" in close proximity to "appears to be still", as it can make the sentence sound repetitive. Consider rephrasing to vary your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appears to be still" functions as a linking phrase, connecting a subject with a state of being that seems to persist. It suggests a lack of change based on observation or available information. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing ongoing conditions, situations, or states of affairs.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "appears to be still" is a versatile linking phrase used to describe situations that seem unchanged, often in the absence of definitive proof. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. It is most commonly found in news and media and scientific sources, indicating its adaptability to both formal and neutral registers. While "appears to be still" is a useful phrase, avoiding overuse and varying language can improve writing clarity and style. Similar phrases like ""seems to remain"" or ""continues to be"" can provide alternative ways to express a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continues to be

Highlights the continuation of a state.

seems to be lasting

Emphasizes the duration or lasting quality.

seems to remain

Emphasizes persistence over appearance.

looks to be enduring

Implies a visual assessment of continued existence.

is apparently ongoing

Highlights the continuous nature with an element of observation.

apparently endures

Focuses on the endurance aspect of the subject.

remains in effect

Focuses on the lasting validity of something.

persists in being

Stresses a determined continuation.

is seemingly yet

Adds a touch of uncertainty regarding the continuation.

has not ceased to be

Formally expresses the lack of termination.

FAQs

How can I use "appears to be still" in a sentence?

Use "appears to be still" to suggest that a condition or state remains unchanged based on available evidence, such as, "The investigation into the matter "appears to be still" ongoing.".

What are some alternatives to "appears to be still"?

Alternatives include "seems to remain", "continues to be", or "is apparently ongoing", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "appears to be still" formal or informal?

The phrase "appears to be still" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

What's the difference between "appears to be still" and "seems to be still"?

"Appears to be still" suggests a judgment based on outward observation, while "seems to be still" suggests a judgment based on a more intuitive assessment. They are largely interchangeable.