he was still

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was still" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being or to indicate that someone has not changed their position or condition. Example: "Despite the chaos around him, he was still focused on his task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

He was still frozen.

The New York Times

He was still enraged.

The New Yorker

He was still waiting.

The New Yorker

He was still breathing.

The New Yorker

He was still.

The New Yorker

He was still young.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

He was still employed.

Los Angeles Times

He was still a novice in business.

Forbes

He was still furious.

The Guardian

He was still conscious".

The New York Times

He was still very upset.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms such as "he remained" or "he continued to be" for variety in your writing, especially if you use the phrase "he was still" frequently.

Common error

Avoid using "he was still" when referring to an action that has definitively ended. This phrase is best used to indicate a state or condition that persisted over a period, not something that has ceased entirely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was still" functions as a declarative statement indicating the continuation of a state or action in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. The auxiliary verb "was" indicates past tense, while "still" emphasizes the lack of change.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he was still" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to indicate the continuation of a state or action in the past. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is commonly used across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. While "he was still" maintains a neutral tone suitable for different communication styles, remember to ensure that its usage aligns with the past tense and accurately reflects the continuity of a condition or action. Consider alternatives such as "he remained" or "he continued to be" for variation. Steer clear of using "he was still" for actions that have definitively ended. Use "he was still" to effectively convey continuity and emphasize the absence of expected changes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he remained

Focuses on the continuation of a state or condition, emphasizing stability.

he continued to be

Highlights the ongoing nature of a quality or characteristic.

he was as before

Highlights a return to an earlier status or state of being.

he hadn't stopped

Indicates the continuation of action with no pause.

he persisted in being

Emphasizes effort or determination in maintaining a state.

he yet continued

Highlights continuation of an action in spite of something.

he yet remained

Adds a touch of formality, highlighting that despite something, the condition continued.

he kept at it

Focuses on maintaining effort, often used for activities or tasks.

he showed no change

Emphasizes the absence of alteration in his state.

he nevertheless was

Highlights a contrast, implying a condition existed despite an opposing factor.

FAQs

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

You can use "he was still" to indicate that someone continued to be in a particular state or perform an action. For example, "Even after the argument, "he was still" angry" or "Despite the injury, "he was still" playing."

What are some alternatives to "he was still"?

Alternatives include "he remained", "he continued to be", or "he persisted". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "he is still" instead of "he was still"?

Yes, both are correct, but they refer to different time frames. "He is still" refers to the present, while ""he was still"" refers to a past state or action. For instance, "He is still working on the project" (present) versus "He was still working on the project yesterday" (past).

What's the difference between "he was still" and "he is always"?

"He was still" indicates a past continuous state, while "he is always" implies a habitual or consistent action or state. Example: "He was still upset about the news" (past, temporary) vs "He is always complaining" (present, habitual).