is still

USAGE SUMMARY

"is still" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that a certain aspect of a situation remains unchanged, or that a particular behavior persists. For example: "The debate is still ongoing, with neither side willing to back down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fat is still funny.

The New York Times

Unrest is still possible.

The Economist

"It is still, sometimes.

The New Yorker

He is still there.

The New Yorker

It is still falling.

Forbes

"TV is still fundamental".

The New York Times

She is still waiting.

The New York Times

She is still alive.

The New York Times

Mintz is still glowing.

The New York Times - Sports

There is still corruption".

The New Yorker

The theater is still.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is still", ensure that the context clearly establishes the timeframe being referred to. This helps avoid ambiguity and makes the statement more impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "is still" excessively in your writing, as it can diminish its impact. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "remains", "continues to be", or "persists" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is still" primarily functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject to a state or condition that persists over time. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples demonstrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is still" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate the continuation of a state, condition, or action. Ludwig AI validates this, showcasing its versatility across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While generally neutral in register, writers should consider more formal alternatives like "continues to be" in highly academic or professional settings to avoid overuse and maintain impact. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively use "is still" to convey persistence and lack of change in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continues to be

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the state or condition.

has not changed

Focuses on the lack of alteration over time.

remains

Replaces the entire phrase with a single word indicating persistence.

holds true

Emphasizes the continued validity or accuracy of something.

persists

Highlights the enduring quality of something.

survives

Indicates that something has continued to exist despite potential threats.

endures

Implies a prolonged continuation, often despite challenges.

lingers

Suggests a slow or gradual continuation, often with a subtle or less noticeable presence.

carries on

Suggests an uninterrupted continuation of an action or state.

is yet

Indicates something is pending or has not happened until now.

FAQs

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

Use "is still" to indicate that something continues to be a certain way or is in a particular state. For example, "The project "is still" in progress" shows it hasn't been completed.

What are some alternatives to "is still"?

Alternatives include "remains", "continues to be", or "persists", which can add variety to your writing and prevent repetition.

Is there a difference between "is still" and "remains"?

"Is still" emphasizes continuation up to the present, while "remains" simply indicates a state of being. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is still" in formal writing?

"Is still" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but consider stronger alternatives like "continues to be" or "endures" for greater impact.