deathly still

USAGE SUMMARY

"deathly still" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a quiet atmosphere. For example, "The street was deathly still; not a soul was in sight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Olinger was deathly still.

The New Yorker

He is alive but deathly still.

The Guardian - Music

Again Potsdamer Platz was deathly still and completely deserted except for the six hidden Vopos.

The New Yorker

Without warning, a family member or friend collapses, twitches and gasps a few times, then lies deathly still.

Harvard University

She lay on her hospital bed -- 10 pounds at 4 1/2 months -- her chest deathly still.

The Washington Post

Hardy's scene is even more deathly still: it is not only the winter of the year but of a whole century.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"Deathly stillness in the room," writes Schmidt.

The New Yorker

But it is a series of deathly portraits -- still lifes and a group of black-and-white paintings from the 1950's, when many artists decided to paint only in black and white -- that evoke the starkest, most foreboding images of life in East Germany.

The New York Times - Arts

It is the most colorful of the four, and the only version whose original frame was hand-painted by the artist with a poem describing a walk at sunset ("I felt a whiff of Melancholy — I stood / Still, deathly tired") that inspired the painting.

The New York Times

He gestures to the deathly-black banks still bearing the marks of the slicks.

The Economist

There's something deathly, with eternal stories still hanging in the ether: These sites are everywhere in China so they are still very much part of my life.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deathly still" to create a vivid image of absolute stillness, often implying a sense of suspense, unease, or finality. For example, "The forest was deathly still before the storm."

Common error

Avoid using "deathly still" in every instance where you need to describe stillness. Overusing it can dilute its impact, particularly if the scene doesn't warrant such a heightened sense of drama or foreboding. Opt for simpler alternatives like "completely still" or "perfectly quiet" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deathly still" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It intensifies the state of stillness, suggesting a profound and often unsettling lack of movement. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it’s grammatically sound. The examples provided illustrate its use in various descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deathly still" is a grammatically sound and evocative adjectival phrase used to describe a state of profound stillness, often with an undercurrent of suspense or unease. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its usage is most common in news and media contexts, with academic sources also employing it to a lesser extent. While effective, it's crucial to avoid overuse, as simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in less dramatic settings. Remember that "deathly still" emphasizes a lack of movement, while "deathly quiet" refers to a lack of sound. The authoritative sources citing this phrase are primarily reputable news outlets, solidifying its acceptance in descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely motionless

Emphasizes the absence of any movement whatsoever.

perfectly silent

Focuses on the absence of sound, implying a stillness that extends beyond physical movement.

absolutely quiet

Highlights the lack of noise, suggesting a serene or eerie stillness.

stone still

Uses a simile to compare the stillness to that of an inanimate object.

deathly quiet

Emphasizes the silence component of stillness, with an implication of something sinister or solemn.

eerily silent

Highlights the unsettling nature of the silence and stillness.

frozen in place

Suggests immobility as if due to extreme cold or fear.

rigidly unmoving

Implies a stiffness or tension in the stillness.

uncannily quiet

Suggests a stillness that is strange and mysterious.

in complete repose

Highlights the calmness and restfulness associated with the stillness.

FAQs

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

Use "deathly still" to describe a scene or object that is completely motionless and silent, often with an undertone of suspense or fear. For example, "The room was "deathly still" after the argument".

What are some alternatives to "deathly still"?

Alternatives include "completely motionless", "perfectly silent", or "stone still", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "deathly still" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "deathly still" carries a somewhat dramatic or literary tone. In formal writing, consider alternatives such as "completely motionless" or "perfectly silent" if a more neutral tone is desired.

What's the difference between "deathly still" and "deathly quiet"?

"Deathly still" implies a lack of movement, while "deathly quiet" suggests a lack of sound. Though often related, they emphasize different aspects of the scene. A scene can be "deathly quiet" even if there is some subtle movement, and vice versa.