being still

USAGE SUMMARY

"being still" can be used in written English.
It is usually used when referring to being still in a physical sense, such as not moving or remaining quiet. For example, "He was being still, waiting for the teacher to finish talking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just being still.

The New York Times

Practice being still".

The New York Times

"Running is the opposite of being still.

The Guardian - Arts

These polymers being still water-soluble exhibit associating properties in the presence of external salt.

Polymer

The INTEGRAL satellite has discovered many sources, the nature of most being still unknown.

Advances in Space Research

"I guess he was talking about being still and listening.

The Guardian - Film

It's about being still in front of a camera.

The Guardian

But being insular, being still, doesn't solve loneliness.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sitting and being still isn't the only way to practice meditation.

Harvard University

Being still clamoured upon and importuned, he told them this tale.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Some see a break-up as being still on the table.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being still" to describe a state of physical inactivity or a metaphorical state of inner peace and reflection. It's effective in contexts where emphasizing the act of maintaining stillness is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "being still" when you simply mean 'remaining'. While it implies a lack of movement, "being still" often carries a connotation of intent or purpose behind the stillness, which 'remaining' does not necessarily convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being still" functions primarily as a gerund phrase. It often acts as a noun, describing the state or action of remaining motionless or quiet. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes physical stillness and inner peace.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being still" is a versatile phrase that functions as a gerund, denoting both physical inactivity and inner tranquility. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its common usage across diverse contexts. While widely accepted, it's important to consider the specific nuance it adds, emphasizing the intention or effort behind remaining inactive. As demonstrated by examples from sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, the phrase frequently appears in discussions of mindfulness, nature, and personal reflection, offering a valuable way to express the significance of quietude in a busy world. Remember to consider "remaining motionless", "staying quiet", and "finding serenity" as possible substitutes for diversifying your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remaining motionless

Focuses on the absence of movement; emphasizes the physical aspect of not moving.

staying quiet

Highlights the absence of sound and activity; emphasizes silence and inactivity.

keeping silent

Emphasizes the absence of speech; focuses on not speaking.

holding steady

Implies maintaining a stable position without wavering; focuses on stability.

standing firm

Suggests resilience and resistance to movement; focuses on unwavering stance.

becoming tranquil

Implies transitioning into a state of calmness and stillness; highlights a change in state.

finding serenity

Focuses on achieving a state of peace and calm; emphasizes emotional stillness.

maintaining composure

Emphasizes emotional control and stability in a challenging situation; highlights inner stillness.

cultivating stillness

Suggests a deliberate practice of achieving inner peace and quietude; focuses on intentionality.

embracing silence

Highlights the acceptance and appreciation of quietude; emphasizes a positive relationship with silence.

FAQs

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

"Being still" can describe a physical state, like "The cat was "remaining motionless", being still so it could pounce", or a mental state, such as "Cultivating stillness, being still is an important aspect of meditation".

What are some alternatives to "being still"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "remaining motionless", "staying quiet", or "finding serenity" as alternatives to "being still".

Is it always appropriate to use "being still"?

While generally correct, "being still" might not always be the most concise or effective choice. Consider whether a simpler word like "remaining" or a phrase that emphasizes the reason for stillness might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "being still" and "remaining still"?

"Being still" often implies a conscious effort or intention to remain inactive, whereas "remaining still" can simply describe a state of not moving without necessarily implying intent. The subtle difference lies in the emphasis on the act of "being" versus the state of "remaining".