simply still

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simply still" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to convey a sense of calmness or lack of movement, often in a poetic or descriptive context. Example: "In the early morning light, the lake was simply still, reflecting the beauty of the surrounding mountains."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

But the public energy grid is simply still too dependent on carbon-based fuels to make that possible.

The New York Times

As far as I can determine, once you strip away their silly slogans and stereotypes, they are simply still mad that they missed Woodstock.

The New York Times

In its current form, Wild Side might simply still be too sprawling, too undisciplined and in parts too unfocused to gain a wide following.

The Guardian - Film

Today we celebrate simply still being alive – and this has brought us closer to that one thing that has always been there with us from the beginning.

The Guardian

More simply still, they badly underestimated the danger to British national interests from an implosion in the euro area.Here is what Mr Cameron said tonight at the Mansion House.

The Economist

There will be more to come, and not just in Europe – there is simply still too much debt and not enough growth in developed economies". France has already shown its anger at the prospect of a downgrade.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Yet another cause of muscle spasm or knotting is simply sitting still.

The New York Times - Magazine

From the moment Spurs equalised they simply stood still.

The Guardian - Sport

The heaving, vigorous crowd of shoppers in the markets simply stood still.

The New Yorker

On the show the contestants aren't simply standing still and performing material they already know.

The New York Times - Arts

When the light turned green, the researcher simply stayed still, blocking the car behind.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "simply still" to emphasize a lack of change or progression in a situation. It works best when highlighting a state of being that persists despite potential expectations of movement or alteration.

Common error

Avoid using "simply still" in sentences that already convey a sense of complexity or nuance. The phrase's strength lies in its simplicity and directness; overloading the sentence can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simply still" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, emphasizing the continuous and uncomplicated nature of a state or action. Ludwig provides examples where it underscores a lack of progression or change, aligning with its core function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "simply still" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverbial modifier used to emphasize a lack of change or progression. As Ludwig confirms, its usage spans across diverse contexts, including news, science and business, with a neutral register. The analysis suggests using "simply still" when highlighting a continuous state without additional complexity and avoiding overuse in overly complex sentences. Alternative phrases, such as "just still" or "merely still", can provide similar nuances depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just still

Emphasizes the 'just' or 'only' aspect of remaining in a particular state, very similar to the original in denoting a lack of further action or change.

merely still

Highlights the uncomplicated or basic nature of remaining in a state or condition.

plainly still

Focuses on the straightforward and evident nature of the continuous state, without additional complexity.

absolutely still

Underscores the complete and total absence of movement or change.

genuinely still

Indicates authenticity and lack of pretense regarding a state of stillness or continuation.

actually still

Confirms the reality of something's continued state, potentially against expectations.

quite still

Emphasizes the degree of stillness or continuation, suggesting a noticeable level of the specified condition.

solely still

Highlights that nothing else but the state of stillness exists.

fundamentally still

Indicates that the state of stillness is a basic or essential characteristic.

essentially still

Focuses on the core or inherent nature of remaining in a particular state.

FAQs

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

The phrase "simply still" is used to emphasize a state of continuation without change or additional action. For example: "Despite the chaos around him, he was "simply still", observing everything with a calm demeanor."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "simply still"?

Alternatives include "just still", "merely still", or "plainly still", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "simply still" always appropriate, or are there contexts where it should be avoided?

While grammatically correct, "simply still" is most effective when underscoring a lack of movement or change. Overusing it in complex situations might dilute its impact. Consider using alternative phrasing when greater nuance is required.

What is the difference between "simply still" and phrases like "perfectly still"?

"Simply still" highlights the basic state of being without change, while "perfectly still" emphasizes a complete lack of movement or disturbance. The choice depends on whether you're stressing the continuation of a state or the degree of immobility.