are still not

USAGE SUMMARY

"are still not" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has not yet changed or been completed. For example, "We are still not finished with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They are still not eager.

The Economist

Communications are still not working".

Independent

They are still not enough.

The New York Times

Sadly, most are still not.

The Economist

You are still not surprised?

The New York Times

We are still not alone.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The reasons are still not clear.

Independent

We are still not rich and famous.

The New Yorker

Bishops are still not mandatory reporters.

The New York Times

Valuations in Europe are still not attractive".

The New York Times

But many soldiers are still not paid.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are still not", ensure the context clearly indicates what is expected or desired but has not yet occurred. For example, "The results are still not conclusive" clearly implies an expectation of conclusive results.

Common error

Be careful not to use "are still not" in situations where the lack of something is permanent or intentional, as it implies a temporary or rectifiable absence. Instead, consider alternatives that suggest a more permanent state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are still not" functions as a copular verb phrase expressing a state of negation that persists up to the present time. It connects a subject with a description of what it currently lacks. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

56%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are still not" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates a continuing lack or absence. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts. While it carries a neutral register, it's essential to use it when implying an expectation or potential for change, and to avoid it where a situation is permanently unfulfilled. Effective alternatives include "have yet to be" and "remain un-" when aiming for formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have not yet been

Similar meaning, but with a slightly different emphasis on the timing of the event.

haven't yet been

A contraction of "have not yet been", making it more informal.

are yet to be

More concise phrasing, akin to "have yet to be".

have yet to be

Replaces "are still not" with a more formal phrasing, emphasizing anticipation.

have not been

Omits "still", implying the situation continues to be unfulfilled.

remain un-

Uses a prefix to indicate an unfinished state, altering the grammatical structure.

fail to be

Highlights the inability to achieve a certain state.

continue to lack

Shifts the focus to the absence of something, rather than a lack of change.

persist in being

Implies a continuing state of not being something.

have yet to reach

Shifts the focus to the destination or goal.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are still not" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "have yet to be" or "remain un-" followed by the appropriate adjective or verb.

What's a more casual way to say "are still not"?

Informally, you might say "haven't yet been" or simply "have not been" depending on the context.

In what situations is it best to use "are still not"?

"Are still not" is best used when something is expected or desired but has not yet happened or been achieved. It implies a sense of anticipation or ongoing process.

How does "are still not" differ from "are no longer"?

"Are still not" indicates a continuing absence or incompletion, while "are no longer" indicates something that existed previously but does not exist now. They have opposite meanings.