it was still

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was still" is a grammatically correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is most commonly used to introduce a phrase that clarifies a situation or continues a thought. For example: "I thought the party had ended, but it was still going strong when I left."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It was still bureaucratic.

Independent

It was still open.

The New Yorker

It was still there.

The New Yorker

It was still raining.

The New Yorker

It was still enough.

Independent

It was still, waiting.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was still.

The New Yorker

It was still recording.

The New York Times

"But it was still cold.

The New York Times - Sports

But it was still working".

The New York Times - Sports

It was still pretty obscure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was still" to effectively transition between contrasting ideas, highlighting a continuation despite an unexpected change or challenge. For instance, "The market crashed, but it was still possible to find valuable investments."

Common error

Avoid using "it was still" in overly simple sentences where a more concise alternative exists. Instead of "The car was old, but it was still running", try "The old car still ran" for a more direct expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was still" typically functions as a transitional element, linking a previous statement with a continuing condition or situation. According to Ludwig, this expression is common and grammatically sound. It often introduces a contrast or unexpected persistence of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was still" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate the continuation of a state or condition, often in contrast to a prior expectation or change. According to Ludwig, its primary use is transitional, linking previous statements with ongoing situations. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it is a versatile phrase suitable for neutral registers. To enhance clarity, consider concise alternatives like "it remained" in simpler constructions and ensure its use effectively bridges contrasting ideas. Ludwig examples confirm the expression is part of standard English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it remained

Focuses on the continuation of a state or condition, omitting the past tense auxiliary verb 'was'.

things were still

Replaces "it" with "things" focusing on a more general aspect.

it continued to be

Expands the phrase to emphasize the ongoing nature of the state or condition.

it was as before

Emphasizes the similarity to a previous state.

it persisted in being

Highlights the enduring or unwavering nature of the state or condition.

it had not changed

Shifts the perspective to focus on the absence of change.

it yet was

Inverts the word order, adding an archaic flavor and altering the emphasis.

it was even then

Adds emphasis on the time aspect using "even then".

the situation remained

Substitutes "it" with "the situation" making the sentence more descriptive.

the status quo was

Emphasizes that everything has remained unchanged.

FAQs

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

"It was still" introduces a statement that continues or persists despite a previous or contrasting situation. For example, "The weather was terrible, but "it was still" a great vacation".

What are some alternatives to "it was still"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it remained", "it continued to be", or "the situation remained", depending on the context. These offer varied ways to express the continuation of a state or condition.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "But it was still"?

Yes, starting a sentence with "But it was still" is grammatically correct. The conjunction 'but' effectively introduces a contrast or exception to the preceding statement, making it a common and acceptable way to begin a sentence.

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

"It was still" refers to a situation that persisted at a specific point in the past, while "it is still" indicates that a situation continues to the present. For example, "Yesterday, "it was still" raining," versus "Even now, "it is still" raining."