it still counts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it still counts" is both correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize that something should still be considered or included, despite potential obstacles or challenges. Example: "I know I didn't do as well as I wanted on the test, but I did answer all the questions. So, it still counts towards my final grade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

But given its appeal to workers in the city's clerical, sanitation and teachers' unions, the easiest place for HIP to raise money is in New York, where it still counts 200,000 city workers and their relatives among its 796,000 customers.

The New York Times

And talking of gauche, the brand famously doesn't gift clothes to celebrities – Touitou has said in the past he would rather give clothes to teachers – but it still counts Alexa Chung, Keira Knightley, Wes Anderson and Jarvis Cocker among its clientele.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It still counts.

The Guardian - Film

But it still counts.

The Guardian - Opinion

Either way, it still counts.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It still counts as a crossing.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

When you come up for tenure, or apply for academic positions, they'll remember that you cared about teaching--it still counts for something even at big research universities".

Science Magazine

It still counted the same.

The New York Times - Sports

Did it still count if his left hand wandered?

The New York Times

If you don't remember the pain, does it still count?

The New Yorker

But if no one knows how aware you are, does it still count?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it still counts" to reassure or validate something that might seem diminished or questionable but should still be considered valid or important. For example, in sports, politics or personal achievements.

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "it still counts" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "it remains significant" or "it continues to be relevant" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it still counts" functions as an affirmative assertion, confirming that something retains value or validity despite potential doubts or mitigating factors. This is validated by Ludwig's AI response, which confirms the phrase is both correct and usable. The examples show it being used across a range of contexts to reinforce this idea.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it still counts" is a versatile and frequently used phrase employed to affirm the ongoing validity or importance of something, often in the face of potential doubts or limitations. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and widely applicable. While suitable for various contexts, from news reports to casual conversations, it's advisable to use more formal synonyms in highly academic or professional settings to maintain an appropriate tone. Its function is to reassure and validate, and its prevalence across numerous authoritative sources confirms its widespread acceptance in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it remains valid

Focuses on the continued validity rather than the act of counting or considering.

it is still relevant

Emphasizes the ongoing relevance of the subject.

it continues to matter

Highlights the enduring significance of something.

it is nonetheless important

Acknowledges a potential contrast but affirms the importance.

it holds true

Suggests that a statement or principle is still correct or applicable.

it is still taken into account

Focuses on the act of considering something, rather than its general relevance.

it is of continuing consequence

Highlights that it has lasting effects

it is not without significance

Emphasizes the presence of significance, even if it's not immediately obvious.

it is yet of value

Emphasizes the present existence of value.

it's not inconsequential

Highlights that something has some degree of importance or effect

FAQs

How can I use "it still counts" in a sentence?

You can use "it still counts" to emphasize that something is still valid or important despite certain limitations or changes. For instance, "Even though the project is behind schedule, "it still counts" as progress toward our goals".

What can I say instead of "it still counts"?

You can use alternatives like "it remains valid", "it is still relevant", or "it continues to matter" depending on the context.

Is "it still counts" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, ""it still counts"" is generally more appropriate for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "it remains significant" or "it continues to be relevant".

What is the difference between "it still counts" and "it always counts"?

"It still counts" implies that something's validity might be in question but is affirmed, while "it always counts" suggests consistent and unquestionable value or relevance.