perfectly still

USAGE SUMMARY

"perfectly still" is a perfectly fine and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to denote a complete state of stillness, and is often used in creative writing to set a tone of stillness and quiet. For example, "The room was perfectly still and silent, as if time had stopped."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was perfectly still.

The New York Times - Sports

The audience stayed perfectly still.

The New Yorker

I sat perfectly still.

The New Yorker

She sits perfectly still.

The Guardian - Music

"They have to stay perfectly still".

The New Yorker

They were held perfectly still, suspended.

Independent

If a shark appears, remain perfectly still.

The New Yorker

Perfectly still, I lay flecked with goosebumps.

The Guardian - Opinion

He tried to lie perfectly still.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was quiet, it was perfectly still.

The Guardian - Books

The person was perfectly still lying across all four tracks.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "perfectly still" to emphasize a complete and unwavering state of stillness. This phrase works well in descriptive writing to create a vivid image of tranquility or suspense.

Common error

Avoid using "perfectly still" in action-packed scenes where movement is prevalent. It can create a jarring contrast and disrupt the flow of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perfectly still" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a state is maintained. Ludwig's examples showcase its descriptive capability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "perfectly still" is a versatile and commonly used adverbial phrase that emphasizes the complete absence of movement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from formal news reports to informal descriptive writing. When employing "perfectly still", ensure it aligns with the overall tone and avoid overuse in scenes filled with action. Related phrases like "completely motionless" and "absolutely static" can offer nuanced alternatives to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely motionless

Emphasizes the total absence of movement, highlighting a state of absolute stillness.

perfectly unmoving

Focuses on the lack of movement, suggesting a deliberate effort to remain still.

absolutely static

Highlights the unchanging nature of the subject, conveying a sense of stability and stillness.

entirely quiescent

Suggests a state of rest and inactivity, often implying a sense of peace or tranquility.

perfectly placid

Implies a calm and undisturbed stillness, often used to describe water or a peaceful scene.

utterly inert

Conveys a complete lack of activity or responsiveness, suggesting a state of lifelessness or inactivity.

stone still

Emphasizes the rigidity and immobility, like a statue made of stone.

dead still

Suggests an unnatural or eerie stillness, often associated with death or silence.

stock still

Implies a sudden and complete stop in movement, often out of surprise or fear.

perfectly at rest

Highlights the state of being at ease and without motion, often implying a sense of relaxation or peace.

FAQs

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

You can use "perfectly still" to describe something or someone that is not moving at all. For example: "The water was "perfectly still", reflecting the sky above."

What does "perfectly still" mean?

"Perfectly still" means completely without movement. It emphasizes a state of absolute stillness and lack of motion.

What are some alternatives to "perfectly still"?

Some alternatives include "completely motionless", "absolutely static", or "entirely quiescent", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "perfectly still" formal or informal?

"Perfectly still" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage depends more on the surrounding tone and style of the writing rather than the context itself.