as still as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as still as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is completely 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

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Stay as still as much as you can.

WikiHow

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

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

"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

The performers must be as still as statues.

The New York Times - Arts

Instead, there was a silence as still as the plains.

The New Yorker

The infielders and outfielders stand as still as statues.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as still as" to create vivid imagery by comparing the subject's stillness to a well-known object or state, such as "as still as a statue" or "as still as death".

Common error

Avoid using "as still as" when describing something that is expected to be moving. For example, saying "the river was as still as a rock" might be illogical, as rivers typically flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as still as" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase of comparison. It modifies a verb or adjective, describing the extent to which something is motionless by drawing a parallel with another object or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used and understood in the English language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

32%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as still as" is a common and grammatically sound comparative phrase used to vividly describe a state of immobility or quietness. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage across various contexts, especially in news media, wikis, and scientific publications. To use it effectively, ensure the comparison is logical and enhances the descriptive power of your writing. While versatile, remember to consider the specific context to avoid creating illogical comparisons. Use creative comparison to create memorable images in the reader's mind.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

motionless as a statue

Directly compares the stillness to that of a statue, emphasizing rigidity and lack of life.

completely motionless

Emphasizes the absence of any motion whatsoever.

stock-still

Indicates an abrupt and complete halt in movement.

perfectly unmoving

Stresses the lack of movement to an extreme degree.

perfectly still

Focuses on the perfection of the stillness, implying an absolute lack of movement.

deathly still

Implies a stillness associated with death, often creating a more dramatic or eerie tone.

calm and still

Combines stillness with a sense of peace and tranquility.

absolutely quiet

Shifts the focus from physical stillness to a lack of sound or disturbance.

eerily silent

Suggests a stillness that is unsettling or strange.

without a flicker

Highlights the absence of even the slightest movement.

FAQs

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

You can use "as still as" to compare something's lack of motion to something else that's known for being still, like saying, "The pond was "as still as glass"" or "He stood "as still as a statue"".

What are some alternatives to using "as still as"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "perfectly still", "completely motionless", or "absolutely quiet" to convey a similar meaning. Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of stillness.

Is it grammatically correct to say "as still as possible"?

Yes, "as still as possible" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It means to remain with minimal movement. For example, "During the surgery, the patient was asked to lie "as still as possible"".

What's the difference between "still" and "as still as"?

"Still" simply means not moving. "As still as" is a comparative phrase used to emphasize the degree of stillness by comparing it to something else. For example, "The water was still" simply states it wasn't moving, while "The water was "as still as a mirror"" emphasizes how completely motionless it was.