exactly still

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exactly still" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of complete stillness or lack of movement, often emphasizing precision in that stillness. Example: "The lake was exactly still, reflecting the mountains perfectly in its surface."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The effect of L-carnitine, coenzyme Q10, and vitamin C administered here cannot be evaluated exactly; still, given the few therapeutic options in mitochondrial diseases, these supplements additionally improved the situation during metabolic crises in our patients.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

What that will mean exactly is still unclear, however, and the topic of much lobbying and speculation.

Science Magazine

What exactly does still mean?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We left the square not laughing exactly, but still chuckling.

The New York Times

The major automakers aren't exactly sitting still.

The New York Times

Not a Greyhound, exactly, but, still, it's exhausting.

The New Yorker

Not that her tennis career has exactly stood still.

The Guardian - Sport

Put on a plate or inside a tortilla, they don't exactly sit still.

The Guardian

So lenient in fact, that it's easy to forget exactly who still has your login details.

Independent

We ambled into the park with our sleds, no longer tykes, exactly, but still packed up like Michelin Men.

The New Yorker

I don't miss it exactly — sometimes still do it, as with a long piece on Van Gogh that came out around Christmas.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific writing, use "exactly still" to describe a controlled experimental condition where even the slightest movement could invalidate results.

Common error

While "exactly still" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "perfectly still" or "completely still" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly still" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the manner in which something is not moving. It emphasizes a state of precise immobility. Ludwig AI confirms this through examples where the phrase is used to describe specific, controlled states.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exactly still" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to emphasize a state of precise immobility. Although Ludwig AI identifies it as correct, its usage is relatively rare, tending towards formal contexts like scientific descriptions or detailed narratives in news and media. While phrases like "perfectly still" or "completely motionless" can serve as more common alternatives, "exactly still" distinguishes itself by highlighting the accuracy and intentionality of the stillness. Therefore, use it judiciously, especially when precision is key to your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perfectly still

Emphasizes the flawlessness of the stillness, focusing on the absence of any disturbance.

completely motionless

Highlights the total lack of movement, stressing the static nature of the subject.

absolutely quiescent

Indicates a state of tranquility and inactivity, suggesting a peaceful stillness.

utterly unmoving

Focuses on the complete absence of motion, underlining the steadfast nature of the object.

precisely at rest

Highlights the accuracy of the position and the state of being at rest.

perfectly static

Emphasizes the unchanging condition and lack of dynamism.

unerringly still

Emphasizes the precision and accuracy of the state of stillness.

fixed in place

Focuses on the immobility and stability of the object.

immobile and exact

Combines lack of movement with precision.

perfectly unperturbed

Indicates undisturbed stillness.

FAQs

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

You can use "exactly still" to describe something that isn't moving at all. For example, "The surface of the lake was "perfectly still", reflecting the sky above".

What are some alternatives to using "exactly still"?

Alternatives include "perfectly still", "completely motionless", or "absolutely quiescent", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "exactly still" too formal for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "exactly still" might sound a bit formal in casual settings. Consider using simpler phrases like "perfectly still" or "completely still" instead.

What is the difference between "exactly still" and "perfectly still"?

"Exactly still" emphasizes precision in the stillness, while "perfectly still" focuses on the flawless nature of the stillness. Both are similar, but "exactly" adds a layer of meticulousness.