become still

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become still" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a change in movement or noise level. For example: "The wind outside became still as the sun set."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

May you become still, and in that stillness may you know peace.

Huffington Post

We writers must learn how to become still in our heads, to achieve the sort of stillness that allows our senses to become heightened.

The New York Times

He smiles, but his face has become still.

The Guardian - Books

Import-dependent Russians, poor as most of them already are, would become still poorer.

The Economist

Some of Qutb's disciples went on to become still more radical and violent.

The Economist

If gold is burnished by grim news, it seems likely to become still more alluring.

The Economist

Now that war has begun, meeting this challenge has become still more urgent.

The New York Times

Prices may become still more detached, given the government's drive to cut costs and jobs in the public sector.

The Economist

Yet the landscape is changing as retirees draw down their savings, meaning that institutional holders will become still more important.

The Economist

It said that arid areas would become still drier and that other areas would be at increased risk of flooding.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The borderlands near Kenya, where cattle raiding, poaching and banditry are rife, would become still more dangerous.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become still" when you want to describe a transition into a state of quietude or lack of motion, often implying a sense of peace or resolution after activity or disturbance.

Common error

Avoid using "become still" interchangeably with phrases that only denote physical stillness if your intention is to convey emotional or mental tranquility as well. "Become still" often carries a connotation of inner peace, which simpler terms like "stop moving" may lack.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become still" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating a change of state. It describes the process of transitioning into a state of quietness, calmness, or lack of movement. As Ludwig AI says, this phrase is perfectly acceptable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become still" is a grammatically correct and acceptable phrase used to describe a transition into a state of quiet or lack of movement, often implying a sense of peace or resolution. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples of its use in various contexts. While not exceptionally common, it is used across reputable sources like The New York Times and The Economist, primarily in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts. When writing, remember that the simple term "become still" often carries a connotation of inner peace, which simpler terms like "stop moving" may lack.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Still yourself

This option is a more reflective, personal command to stop physical or mental agitation.

Achieve stillness

Focuses on actively obtaining a state of calmness or quietude.

Quiet down

This alternative is less formal and suggests a reduction in noise or activity.

Grow quiet

Suggests a gradual decrease in noise or activity.

Fall silent

Emphasizes the cessation of speaking or making noise.

Cease moving

Focuses specifically on the stopping of physical movement.

Be quiet

This option is more direct as an imperative command or exhortation to silence.

Settle down

Suggests achieving a state of stability or composure after a period of activity or disturbance.

Calm down

Implies a reduction in emotional excitement or agitation.

Find peace

Highlights the emotional aspect of becoming calm and tranquil.

FAQs

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

You can use "become still" to describe a transition into a state of quiet or lack of movement, as in, "The chaotic sixth-floor waiting room at Bronx Family Court suddenly seemed to "become still" yesterday." This indicates a shift towards silence and calmness.

What is a similar phrase to "become still"?

Alternatives to "become still" include "quiet down", "fall silent", or "calm down", depending on whether you wish to emphasize a reduction in noise, a cessation of speech, or a decrease in emotional excitement.

Is it correct to say "become still"?

Yes, it is correct. "Become still" is an acceptable phrase in written English and is frequently used to describe a transition into a state of quietude or lack of motion.

What does it mean to "become still"?

To "become still" means to enter a state of calmness and quiet, both physically and mentally. It can imply finding inner peace and resolving disturbances. The phrase suggests a transition from activity to tranquility.