everything was still

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "everything was still" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a moment of calmness or silence, often in a setting where there is no movement or sound. Example: "As the sun set over the horizon, everything was still, creating a serene atmosphere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Everything was still just swollen".

The New York Times - Sports

Everything was still in him.

The New Yorker

Everything was still for a second.

The Telegraph

By 6 p.m., everything was still.

The New York Times

Everything was still stripped and bare.

The New Yorker

Everything was still except the water.

The New York Times

By week's end everything was still up in the air.

The New York Times

I was amazed that everything was still open.

The Guardian - Music

Nothing had gone wrong; everything was still on track.

The New Yorker

The oily waters closed and everything was still again.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Everything is still.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "everything was still" to create a sense of anticipation before a significant event or change in a narrative. It's effective for building suspense or highlighting a turning point.

Common error

Avoid using "everything was still" excessively in scenes with extensive dialogue. Focus on describing characters' expressions and gestures to maintain engagement instead of repeatedly emphasizing environmental stillness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "everything was still" functions primarily as a descriptive element, often setting the scene or establishing a mood. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound. Examples show it used to depict moments of peace, anticipation, or suspension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "everything was still" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression across various contexts, particularly in news and media. According to Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys a sense of calmness, anticipation, or a pause before action. Related phrases include "all was quiet" and "everything stood motionless", each offering slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, writers should be mindful of overuse, especially in dialogue-heavy scenes, to maintain narrative engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

all was quiet

Emphasizes the absence of sound rather than the absence of movement.

everything stood motionless

Focuses specifically on the lack of physical movement.

a hush fell over everything

Suggests a sudden onset of quiet and stillness.

silence reigned

Implies a dominant presence of quiet, often in a vast or significant area.

the world was hushed

Describes the world as being in a state of peaceful quiet.

all activity ceased

Highlights the termination of actions or processes.

the scene was tranquil

Shifts the focus to the peaceful nature of the setting.

peace pervaded the air

Indicates the presence of a calming and serene atmosphere.

motion ceased

Directly states the end of movement.

the stillness was palpable

Emphasizes the noticeable and almost tangible quality of the stillness.

FAQs

How can I use "everything was still" in a sentence?

Use "everything was still" to describe a moment of calmness or quiet, often before something significant happens. For example, "Before the storm broke, everything was still."

What phrases are similar to "everything was still"?

Similar phrases include "all was quiet", "everything stood motionless", or "a hush fell over everything". The best alternative depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "everything was still"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "everything was still" in quick succession or in scenes requiring action can disrupt the narrative flow. Choose more dynamic descriptions in such cases.

What's the difference between "everything was still" and "everything was quiet"?

"Everything was still" emphasizes the lack of movement, whereas "everything was quiet" emphasizes the lack of sound. You would use "everything was quiet" to describe an absence of noise, and "everything was still" to describe an absence of movement.