lie still

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'lie still' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the action of someone or something that is not moving. For example: "The injured soldier lay still, unable to move a muscle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lie still, the bones said.

The New Yorker

Two hands lie still the hairy and the white,.

The New Yorker

"She really battled and she never let anything lie still".

The New York Times - Arts

I can't lie still, and I begin to perspire.

The New Yorker

I wake before you do and I lie still.

The New Yorker

Ghosts just won't lie still; their function is to disturb.

The Guardian - Books

Lie still and watch: they give nothing but ask nothing.

The New York Times - Books

And, conservationists argue, who knows what other wonder drugs may lie still undiscovered within the forests?

Stanford University

The subject of a life should sit still, or lie still".

The New York Times - Books

A person must lie still during the procedure, but it is painless.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(I'd smoke one, if I could lie still long enough to shoot one). 5.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "lie still" for medical procedures, provide clear and gentle instructions to ease anxiety and ensure cooperation.

Common error

Avoid using "lie still" when you mean "lay still". "Lie" is the intransitive verb (you lie down), while "lay" is transitive (you lay something down). However in the case of the imperative, "lie" is correct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lie still" functions primarily as an imperative, a command or instruction. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, further supporting its direct, action-oriented function. Examples show it used in medical contexts and general instructions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lie still" is an imperative phrase used to instruct someone to remain motionless, typically in a lying position. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, from medical procedures to general instructions. Analysis of its usage reveals that it frequently appears in News & Media and Scientific content, but also has a place in wikis and everyday speech. Common alternatives include "remain motionless" and "hold still", offering similar meanings with slight variations in nuance. When using the term, ensure clear and gentle instructions, especially in sensitive situations, and differentiate between "lie" and "lay" to maintain grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be still

A direct command to stop moving, similar to "lie still" but applicable in various positions.

hold still

Implies maintaining a current position without any movement, often used when precision is needed.

remain motionless

Emphasizes the act of staying without motion, highlighting a complete absence of movement.

cease movement

A formal way of saying to stop moving, emphasizing a complete halt of motion.

stay put

Suggests remaining in a specific location without moving, often used in a directive or command.

become motionless

Describes the process of transitioning into a state of stillness, highlighting the change in state.

rest quietly

Indicates a state of peaceful inactivity, focusing on relaxation and absence of disturbance.

refrain from moving

Implies a conscious effort to avoid movement, emphasizing self-control and deliberate action.

keep quiet

Focuses on the absence of sound and movement, suitable when both actions are undesirable.

stay calm

Highlights maintaining composure and avoiding agitation, which may indirectly imply stillness.

FAQs

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

You can use "lie still" as an imperative phrase to instruct someone to remain motionless. For example, "If you want to get a good photograph, you need to "lie still" while I take the picture."

What's the difference between "lie still" and "stay still"?

"Lie still" specifically refers to remaining motionless while in a lying position, whereas "stay still" is a more general instruction to remain motionless in any position.

Are there situations where I shouldn't use "lie still"?

While generally appropriate, avoid using "lie still" if the person needs to take immediate action for safety. In such situations, clearer instructions are crucial.

What can I say instead of "lie still"?

Alternatives include "remain motionless", "hold still", or "be still", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.