it was still the same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was still the same" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that a situation or condition has not changed over time. Example: "After all these years, it was still the same, just as I remembered it." Alternative expressions include "it remained unchanged" and "it was unchanged."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The Theseus had so many of its components substituted that philosophers began to wonder if it was still the same vessel.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it was still the same tree.

The New York Times

It was still the same price.

The New Yorker

It was still the same building, but not the same.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It opened doors, but from that point on, it was still the same job hunt," Mr. Webster says.

The New York Times

"Johnny was rephrasing our logic, but it was still the same logic," John W. Mauchly, a creator of the Eniac, complained.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The dog catches up with its own tail, but it's still the same dog.

The New Yorker

It is still the same.

Independent

But it's still the same game.

Independent

And it's still the same".

The New York Times

It's still the same old story.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was still the same" to clearly convey that a particular aspect or situation has not undergone any changes despite potential expectations or intervening events. This is effective for emphasizing continuity or a lack of progress.

Common error

Avoid using "it was still the same" when referring to situations that have superficially changed, but maintain the same underlying issues. For example, 'The building had a new coat of paint, but it was still the same dilapidated structure' is accurate, but using the phrase when fundamental changes have occurred would be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was still the same" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that a subject or situation has not undergone any significant changes. Ludwig examples illustrate this across various contexts, showing continuity despite elapsed time or altered circumstances.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was still the same" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that indicates a lack of change or alteration over time. Ludwig examples, drawn primarily from News & Media, showcase its use in various contexts to emphasize continuity. While generally neutral in tone, its appropriateness depends on the specific writing context, with alternatives available for more formal settings. Use this phrase to effectively communicate that a particular aspect or situation has remained consistent despite potential expectations of change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it remained unchanged

Emphasizes the lack of any alteration or modification.

it was just the same

Highlights that the state or condition was identical.

it hadn't changed

Focuses on the absence of any transformation.

it was the same as before

Specifies that the condition is identical to a previous state.

it was identical

Implies an exact match or likeness.

it persisted in the same way

Underscores continuous existence without alteration.

it continued as before

Highlights the continuation of an action or condition.

the situation was the same

Specifically refers to a static scenario.

nothing had altered

Emphasizes the lack of any changes or modifications

the status quo remained

Implies the continuation of existing conditions.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was still the same"?

You can use phrases like "it remained unchanged", "it was just the same", or "it hadn't changed" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "it was still the same"?

Use "it was still the same" when you want to emphasize that something has not changed despite potential expectations or intervening events. It's suitable for describing situations where continuity is significant.

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

While both phrases indicate a lack of change, "it was still the same" emphasizes the continuation of a previous state, whereas "it remained the same" simply states that no change occurred. The former often implies a comparison to a past situation, while the latter is a general statement of continuity.

Is "it was still the same" formal or informal?

"It was still the same" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The surrounding language and overall context of the writing will influence the perceived formality more than the phrase itself.