but still

USAGE SUMMARY

"but still" is an acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It is often used to indicate that something is true despite other circumstances. For example, "She had difficulty understanding the instructions, but still managed to complete the task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But still.

The New York Times

But still he blushed.

The New Yorker

But still, chop chop.

The New York Times - Sports

But, still, a lawn.

The New York Times - Sports

But still it's boring.

The New York Times - Magazine

But still they campaign.

The Economist

But still, a mess.

The New York Times

But still surveillance grows.

Independent

Found, but still lost.

Independent

But still: instant relief.

The New York Times

But still, it is.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your context. While acceptable in most situations, more formal alternatives like "nevertheless" or "however" might be preferable in academic or business writing.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "but still", as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using alternative conjunctions or rephrasing your ideas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but still" primarily functions as a conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase. It connects two clauses or sentences, indicating a contrast, concession, or qualification. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is acceptable in written English. It can be used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but still" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that functions as a conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. Its primary purpose is to introduce a statement that contrasts with or qualifies a previous statement. While it maintains a neutral register and is appropriate in many contexts, more formal alternatives may be considered in academic or business writing. The phrase is very common, especially in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nevertheless

Expresses contrast with slightly more formality.

even so

Indicates a concession, similar to "but still".

yet

A more concise way to express contrast.

however

A formal alternative for introducing a contrasting idea.

nonetheless

Emphasizes the contrast despite a preceding statement.

all the same

Highlights that something remains true despite other factors.

in spite of that

A more explicit way to express concession.

despite that

Similar to "in spite of that", but slightly more concise.

just the same

Indicates that something remains unchanged.

at the same time

Expresses simultaneous contrast or co-occurrence.

FAQs

What does "but still" mean?

The phrase "but still" is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or qualifies a previous statement. It indicates that something is true despite what has already been said.

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

You can use "but still" to connect two related but contrasting ideas. For example: "The team faced many challenges, "but still" they managed to win the championship".

What are some alternatives to "but still"?

Some alternatives to "but still" include "nevertheless", "however", "yet", and "even so". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "but still" formal or informal?

"But still" is generally considered acceptable in both formal and informal contexts, but in more formal writing, alternatives such as "nevertheless" or "however" might be preferred.