how long still

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how long still" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to inquire about the remaining time until an event or situation occurs. Example: "How long still until the meeting starts?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Because twenty years is a long time, I suppose, though how long still felt hard to say.

The New Yorker

Just for how long still isn't clear.

Vice

"The UK must be my home now". Just for how long still isn't clear.

Vice

The next day, Doc himself approaches the pipe with flowers in hand ("How Long?"), still uncertain as to why he is seeking a girl like Suzy.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But the questions of whether much of that water was ever liquid and, if so, when and for how long, are still debated.

The Economist

In practice, this means suspension from league play; for how long is still in dispute maybe till the end of the next-but-one transfer window.

The Economist

And to give you an idea of how long we still have to endure, that video was posted six weeks ago.

The Guardian - Opinion

Haven't read it but it's been Book at Bedtime on Radio 4 for God knows how long and still nothing's happened.

The Guardian - Books

While it definitely took more planning, and while the kids now weighed in about where we'd go and for how long, it still happened on as regular a basis as we, the parents, desired.

The New York Times

On the tape, Ms. MacMonagle inquires about the time left on the contract, prompting April to say, "I can get somebody on the line for you and they can inform you how long you still have on your contract and how you go about to cancel it".

The New York Times

It is questionable, however, how long Ho, who still controls over 90% of the Macau market, will leave the low rollers to the Sands.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how long still" when inquiring about the remaining duration of an ongoing situation or a previously agreed-upon timeframe. It implies an expectation that something is already in progress.

Common error

Avoid using "how long still" when initiating a new plan or discussing future possibilities, as it implies an ongoing situation. In such cases, simply ask "how long" or "how long will it take?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how long still" functions as an inquiry about the remaining duration of an event or situation already in progress or expected to continue. The Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "how long still" is a grammatically sound way to inquire about remaining duration, as validated by Ludwig. It's most commonly found in news and media, though it also appears in academic and wiki contexts. It serves the purpose of seeking information about the time left in an ongoing scenario. While generally neutral, its informality suggests that alternative phrases may be more appropriate in formal settings. Ludwig confirms the phrase's usability, but careful consideration of context is advised to ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how much longer

Replaces "long" with "much longer" focusing on the quantity of time remaining.

for how much longer

Adds "for" to emphasize the duration of time.

how much time is left

Focuses on the remaining time using different wording.

what is the remaining duration

Uses more formal vocabulary to inquire about the time left.

how long does it continue

Focuses on the continuation of an event or situation.

how long will it endure

Emphasizes the lasting nature of something.

how protracted is it

Uses a more sophisticated vocabulary and syntax.

for what duration does it persist

Emphasizes the continuous existence of something using formal language.

how far into the future

Shifts focus towards a future time perspective.

how extensively will it last

Explores the extent to which something will continue.

FAQs

What does "how long still" mean?

The phrase "how long still" is used to ask about the remaining duration of something that is already happening or is expected to continue for some time.

What can I say instead of "how long still"?

You can use alternatives like "how much longer", "how much time is left", or "what is the remaining duration" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "how long still"?

Yes, "how long still" is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly when asking about the remaining duration of something already in progress, however it could sound informal. More formal options are: "what is the remaining duration?" or "how much time is left?"

Which is more formal, "how long still" or "how much longer"?

"How much longer" is slightly more formal than "how long still". For a more formal alternative, you can use something like "what is the remaining duration".