more still than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more still than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the stillness or calmness of one thing to another, often in a poetic or descriptive context. Example: "The lake was more still than a mirror reflecting the sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

She then picked up on comments made by Ed Vaizey, the communications minister, who said that when it comes to winning over voters a "page in a local newspaper is worth much more still than a Facebook campaign.

The Guardian

The graduates sat beaming and more still than any of their parents could ever remember seeing them, as Gabriel read his speech, enunciating syllable by syllable (but remembering to stop for periods).

The New York Times

It's as if they're all a little more still than most still photographs.

Vice

Blackpool, Sunderland and East Lindsey had the most antidepressants prescribed per person – far more still than the Isle of Wight.

Vice

Aldrin added: This has been far more than three men on a mission to the Moon; more, still, than the efforts of a government and industry team; more, even, than the efforts of one nation.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Sorry, Fanboys: Android Still More Popular Than iOS In U.S.

HuffPost

It is more horror-movie still than art photograph.

The New York Times

Still More Minority Men Than Minority Women Professors.

Science Magazine

These are more than still image "moments in time".

TechCrunch

Still, more than 300,000 were still waiting for electricity.

The New York Times

(He's still more Hispanic than Romney, which is still not at all).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more still than" to create a vivid comparison, especially when describing scenes or moments where stillness is a key characteristic. This phrase can add depth to descriptions in both creative and descriptive writing.

Common error

Avoid using redundant adverbs with "still" that already imply a lack of movement. For example, phrases like "more absolutely still than" are unnecessary and detract from the phrase's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more still than" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by comparing its state of stillness to that of another noun. As Ludwig AI explains, it effectively draws a contrast in the degree of stillness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more still than" is a grammatically sound and effective comparative phrase used to emphasize a greater degree of stillness or tranquility. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Although its usage is rare, it is particularly valuable in descriptive writing within news and media contexts, where the contrast in stillness adds depth and clarity. When using this phrase, avoid redundant adverbs and focus on creating vivid comparisons. For example, one might say, 'The pond was "more still than" a mirror' to paint a picture of undisturbed calm. Related phrases include "far more motionless than".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

far more motionless than

Uses 'motionless' to stress the absence of movement.

even more stationary than

Emphasizes lack of movement in comparison to something else.

visibly more static than

Emphasizes the visual aspect of being still or unchanging.

considerably calmer than

Focuses on a higher degree of calmness rather than stillness.

appreciably more tranquil than

Highlights a greater sense of peace and tranquility.

infinitely more placid than

Implies a boundless degree of calmness and peace.

noticeably quieter than

Shifts the comparison to a state of reduced noise instead of motion.

substantially more serene than

Highlights a significant increase in serenity.

markedly less animated than

Contrasts the level of animation or liveliness.

much more inactive compared to

Compares levels of activity or engagement.

FAQs

How can I use "more still than" in a sentence?

You can use "more still than" to compare the stillness of two subjects, such as "The lake was "more still than" a mirror".

What phrases are similar to "more still than"?

Similar phrases include "even more stationary than" or "considerably calmer than", depending on the desired nuance.

Is it grammatically correct to say "more still than"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The structure follows standard comparative grammar, effectively expressing a greater degree of stillness.

In what contexts is "more still than" best used?

This phrase is best used in descriptive writing to emphasize the exceptional stillness of something, often in contrast to something else that is less still.