extraordinarily still

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extraordinarily still" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of complete calmness or lack of movement, often in reference to an environment or atmosphere. Example: "The lake was extraordinarily still, reflecting the mountains perfectly in its glassy surface."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It seemed as if, without ever looking at them, she was telling them emphatically, "No!" Then, however, she held that open-armed pose extraordinarily still, until it became expressive of something that went far beyond mere contradiction: a drastic solipsism whereby she built up the forces for the solo that was to follow.

The New York Times - Arts

The opening eight minutes of Peter Mullan's spare and unsparing The Magdalene Sisters, in which Duff's character, Margaret, who has just been raped by a cousin at a wedding reception, is then rejected by her own family, are held together by her extraordinarily still performance.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

They're often a single isolated object; the most extraordinarily lonely still lifes imaginable.

The New York Times - Arts

"Extraordinarily, we still do not know how many children are dying in private hospitals because no one collates the figures".

The Guardian

He cites the example of 19th-century America, which despite being "extraordinarily corrupt" still managed to become an economic superpower.

The Guardian - Books

Extraordinarily, a still extant 14th-­century edict determines that any whale, dolphin, sturgeon or porpoise washed on to English shores is the property of the monarch, a relic of an age when a whale represented great wealth.

The Guardian

Extraordinarily, they still exist, although no one knows who takes them.

Vice

What Irish GoPro Dad Can TExtraordinarilyhe Future of Vlogging.

Vice

Yet, extraordinarily, many Russians still look back on the Stalin years as a golden era.One reason is that much of the period is still cloaked in mystery.

The Economist

She is still extraordinarily close to her family.

The New York Times

Central banks are still extraordinarily generous, and unemployment rates are unacceptably high.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider "extraordinarily still" to describe a scene or character pausing before a significant action or revelation, emphasizing the weight of the moment.

Common error

Avoid using "extraordinarily still" in every description of quiet moments. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing seem repetitive. Opt for simpler descriptions of stillness unless you intend to create a very specific or dramatic effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extraordinarily still" functions as an intensifier modifying an adjective. "Extraordinarily" acts as an adverb, amplifying the degree of stillness, according to Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "extraordinarily still" is a grammatically sound and evocative expression used to emphasize a state of profound calmness or lack of motion. As identified by Ludwig, it functions as an intensifier, with "extraordinarily" modifying the adjective "still". Although not very common, it's primarily found in news and media contexts. When writing, remember to employ this phrase judiciously to amplify the desired effect without creating redundancy. Alternatives like "remarkably quiet" or "exceptionally tranquil" can offer a similar nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkably quiet

Replaces "extraordinarily" with "remarkably" to emphasize the unusual quietness.

exceptionally tranquil

Uses "exceptionally" instead of "extraordinarily" and "tranquil" instead of "still" to highlight the peaceful nature of the stillness.

unusually calm

Substitutes "extraordinarily" with "unusually" and "still" with "calm" to suggest a departure from the ordinary.

incredibly motionless

Replaces "still" with "motionless" emphasizing the lack of movement and "extraordinarily" with "incredibly".

perfectly silent

Implies stillness through the absence of sound, using "perfectly" for emphasis.

eerily unmoving

Adds a sense of unease or mystery to the stillness, using "eerily" to modify "unmoving".

strangely quiescent

Uses "quiescent" as a more formal synonym for "still", adding a touch of peculiarity with "strangely".

singularly placid

Emphasizes the undisturbed nature of the stillness, replacing "still" with "placid".

preternaturally peaceful

Suggests a supernatural or otherworldly level of peace and stillness.

absolutely serene

Replaces "still" with "serene", highlighting the untroubled and calm aspect of the stillness.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "extraordinarily still" in a sentence?

Use "extraordinarily still" to depict a scene or character frozen in a moment of intense emotion, suspense, or anticipation. For example, "The forest was "extraordinarily still" as the storm approached" emphasizes the eerie calm before chaos.

What are some alternatives to "extraordinarily still"?

Consider alternatives like "remarkably quiet", "exceptionally tranquil", or "unusually calm" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "extraordinarily still"?

Yes, "extraordinarily still" is grammatically correct. "Extraordinarily" is an adverb modifying the adjective "still", indicating a high degree of stillness.

What kind of context is best suited for using "extraordinarily still"?

The phrase "extraordinarily still" works well in descriptive or narrative contexts where you want to emphasize a profound sense of calmness, quiet, or lack of motion, often creating a specific mood or atmosphere.