could still

USAGE SUMMARY

'could still' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'could still' to indicate possibility or potential in the present or to express a contrasting idea between the past and the present. For example: "It was a difficult situation to navigate, but we could still find a way to make it work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nunn could still win.

The New Yorker

That could still happen.

The New Yorker

This could still happen.

The New York Times

Iraq could still relapse.

The Economist

We could still snack.

The New York Times

Akin could still win.

The New Yorker

The owners could still appeal.

The New York Times

Baseball could still surprise us.

The New York Times - Sports

He could still read music.

The New Yorker

"You could still make general".

The New Yorker

There could still be hair.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could still" to express that a situation has the potential to change or improve, even if current circumstances suggest otherwise. It's effective for offering a sense of hope or possibility in uncertain contexts.

Common error

While "could still" implies possibility, avoid using it in situations where the likelihood of the event occurring is extremely low, as this can sound unrealistic or misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could still" functions as a modal verb phrase that expresses possibility or potential. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests that an event or situation is possible despite existing circumstances that might indicate otherwise. The examples show its wide applicability in conveying hope or uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could still" is a versatile expression used to convey possibility and hope amidst uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and widely used. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "might yet" or "may yet" exist, "could still" effectively communicates that an outcome is not yet determined. When using "could still", ensure the situation realistically allows for the possibility being suggested to avoid misleading or sounding overly optimistic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might yet

Indicates a slightly weaker possibility than "could still".

may yet

Similar to "might yet", suggesting a possibility that remains open.

it is still possible

A more formal way of expressing the same idea, emphasizing the existing possibility.

there is still a chance

Highlights the element of chance or opportunity that remains.

it remains possible

Similar to "it is still possible", but with a stronger emphasis on the persistence of the possibility.

the potential remains

Focuses on the continued existence of potential for something to happen.

it's not too late

Emphasizes that the opportunity has not completely passed.

it hasn't been ruled out

Indicates that the possibility is still under consideration or has not been definitively rejected.

the option remains open

Highlights that a particular choice or course of action is still available.

there's still hope

Conveys a sense of optimism and the belief that a positive outcome is still achievable.

FAQs

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

The phrase "could still" is used to express a possibility that something might happen or be true, even if current circumstances suggest otherwise. For example, "Even though they are losing, they "could still" win the game."

What are some alternatives to "could still"?

Some alternatives include "might yet", "may yet", or "it is still possible", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "could still" and "can still"?

While both express possibility, "could still" often suggests a slightly lower probability or a more conditional scenario than "can still". "Can still" implies a more immediate or definite possibility, while "could still" might refer to something that requires certain conditions to be met.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "could still"?

"Could still" is appropriate when you want to indicate that an outcome is not yet determined and that there remains a chance for things to change. It's often used in situations involving uncertainty, competition, or potential for improvement.