have still been

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have still been" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when referring to something that has previously occurred and is still in effect. For example: "Despite changes in technology, the same core principles of customer service have still been the same for generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

You have still more than 5,000 Palestinian prisoners.

The Guardian

The act of matricide left deep scars that have still not healed today.

Independent

Sales have climbed since then, but have still not reached pre-2008 levels.

Los Angeles Times

Perhaps the ghosts of 1973 have still to be exorcised.

The Guardian - Sport

I could have still played in that today.

BBC

The case from 2013 had still, in 2016, not made it to trial.

Vice

But, until today, we have still seen zero Euros.

Science Magazine

Now, if I struggle, I know I've still got tomorrow".

The New York Times - Sports

But at least they've still got yesterday's presents to play with.

The Guardian - Opinion

Obviously, I would have loved to be a part of it, but we've still got next year.

The New York Times - Sports

If the first one doesn't work out, you've still got 4,499 to go.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have still been" to emphasize that a condition or state, initiated in the past, continues to exist or be in effect at the present time. Ensure that the context clearly establishes the timeframe and the persistence of the state being described.

Common error

Avoid using "have still been" when describing actions that have concluded and do not have ongoing relevance. The phrase implies a continuation of a state, not simply a past occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have still been" functions as part of the present perfect continuous tense, emphasizing that something initiated in the past continues to the present. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have still been" is grammatically sound and serves to emphasize the continuation of a state or condition from the past to the present. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct. Due to a lack of sufficient real-world examples, its frequency and contextual usage cannot be definitively assessed, although it is expected to be versatile across various registers. To enhance clarity and avoid misuse, ensure that the context clearly indicates the enduring nature of the described state or condition. Consider using alternatives like "continue to be" for emphasizing the ongoing action or uninterrupted continuation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have continued to be

Explicitly states that something has continued from the past to the present.

are still being

Focuses on the ongoing action rather than the state resulting from the action.

continue to be

Emphasizes the continuation of a state or condition.

remain

Highlights the persistence of a state or condition without necessarily implying prior change.

are yet being

Implies something is in progress until now.

have always been

Highlights that something has persisted without change since the beginning.

still exist

Focuses solely on the existence of something up to the present moment.

persist

Emphasizes the stubborn or resilient continuation of something.

have been maintained

Focuses on the active effort to keep something in a certain state.

are still around

A more informal way of saying something still exists or persists.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "have still been" to emphasize continuity?

You can use phrases like "continue to be" or "remain" to highlight the ongoing nature of a state or condition.

Is "have still been" appropriate for describing actions that are completed?

No, "have still been" is not suitable for completed actions. It is best used to describe states or conditions that began in the past and continue to the present.

What's the difference between "have still been" and "are still being"?

"Have still been" focuses on the resulting state, while "are still being" emphasizes the ongoing action. For example, "The effects of the policy have still been felt" versus "The policy changes are still being implemented".

When is it appropriate to use "have continued to be" instead of "have still been"?

Use "have continued to be" when you want to explicitly state that something has persisted from a specific point in the past up to the present moment without interruption. This phrase emphasizes the uninterrupted continuation.