as still

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as still" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being motionless or quiet, often in comparison to something else. Example: "The lake was as still as glass, reflecting the mountains perfectly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He described safeguards as "still quite weak".

The New York Times

The streets are as still as death".

The Guardian - Opinion

I kept as still as I could.

The New Yorker

Laid there as still as I could".

The Guardian - Music

Nonresponse was defined as still having panic attacks.

Journal of Affective Disorders

Riccio sat as still as any of them.

The New Yorker

Herons on treetops stood as still as carved wood.

The New York Times - Travel

China sees itself as still, in many respects, worryingly poor.

The New York Times

"We would characterize this as still at a safe distance.

Independent

"We stayed as still as possible, and we bore it".

The New York Times

But the surface remained as still as bathtub water.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as still" to vividly describe a scene or object by comparing its stillness to something else, creating a stronger image for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "as still" to describe actions involving ongoing movement. The phrase is best suited for depicting static states or comparing levels of stillness, not dynamic activities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as still" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase or comparative phrase. It modifies verbs or adjectives, describing the manner in which something is done or the degree to which something is still, by comparing it to another object or state. Ludwig examples show it describing surfaces, people, or even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as still" is a versatile and commonly used comparative phrase, effectively conveying a sense of immobility or quietude. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability across various contexts. Predominantly found in "News & Media" and "Science", it enhances descriptions by drawing comparisons to other still objects or states. To maximize impact, remember to use it to depict static states or compare stillness, avoiding its application to actions involving movement. Consider alternatives like "motionless" or "perfectly still" for similar, yet nuanced, meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perfectly still

Emphasizes a complete lack of movement, similar to "as still" but more absolute.

completely still

Highlights the completeness of the stillness.

motionless

A single word synonym, directly indicating a lack of movement.

perfectly unmoving

Combines the ideas of perfection and lack of movement.

remaining still

Emphasizes the act of continuing to be still.

dead still

Implies a profound stillness, often associated with death or lifelessness.

without moving

Focuses on the action of not moving, rather than a state of stillness.

without any movement

Similar to "without moving" but emphasizes the absence of any movement at all.

standing motionless

Specifies that the stillness applies to a standing position.

in a static position

Describes stillness in terms of a fixed position.

FAQs

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

The phrase "as still" is often used to compare the stillness of something to something else, for example, "The lake was "as still" as glass" or "He remained "as still" as a statue".

What are some alternatives to "as still"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "perfectly still", "motionless", or "completely still".

Is there a difference between "as still" and "perfectly still"?

While both phrases describe a lack of movement, "perfectly still" ("perfectly still") emphasizes a complete and absolute lack of motion, whereas "as still" ("as still") is often used in comparisons.

When is it appropriate to use "as still"?

Use "as still" when you want to emphasize the absence of movement by comparing it to something else known for its stillness. For instance, describing a quiet room "as still" as a tomb.