so still

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so still" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of complete quietness or lack of movement, often in a poetic or descriptive context. Example: "The night was so still that you could hear a pin drop."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

So still.

The New York Times

He'd been so still.

The New Yorker

So still on two.

The Guardian

So, still, huh.

Yale University

So still red.

The New Yorker

So still, so immense an enchantment.

The New Yorker

She had never seen him so still.

The New Yorker

"So, still significant," Ms. Shaw said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

You get more minutes, data and texts from Cricket in both cases, so - still looking good.

The New York Times

"Not so".Still, most firms should keep their heads above water.

The Economist

So… still in the middle, I suppose.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so still" to create a vivid and descriptive image of tranquility or suspense. The phrase works best when emphasizing a contrast, such as a moment of peace amidst chaos.

Common error

Avoid using "so still" too frequently in dialogue, as it can sound unnatural. Opt for more conversational alternatives, such as "quiet" or "motionless", to maintain a natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so still" functions primarily as an intensifier modifying an adjective. It emphasizes the degree of stillness. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in descriptive contexts, confirming its role in portraying quiet and motionless scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "so still" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, particularly within journalistic and literary contexts to evoke a sense of quietness or lack of movement. According to Ludwig, it functions as an intensifier, emphasizing the degree of stillness. While versatile, it's advisable to use it judiciously in dialogue to maintain a natural tone. Alternative phrases such as "perfectly still" or "completely motionless" can be used to provide nuance or variety. This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the phrase's usage, meaning, and stylistic considerations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perfectly still

Emphasizes a complete absence of movement; slightly stronger than "so still".

utterly still

Similar to perfectly still, highlighting a complete lack of motion or sound.

completely motionless

Directly describes the absence of movement; more clinical in tone.

absolutely quiet

Shifts the focus to the absence of sound rather than movement.

dead still

Implies an unnatural or eerie stillness, often associated with death.

eerily quiet

Suggests a stillness that is unsettling or strange.

remarkably quiet

Similar to absolutely quiet, but emphasizes a surprising or notable lack of sound.

incredibly quiet

Similar to absolutely quiet, but emphasizes a surprising or notable lack of sound.

without a sound

Focuses on the absence of noise, implying a sense of peace or anticipation.

perfect calm

Suggests a state of tranquility and peace, encompassing both stillness and quiet.

FAQs

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

You can use "so still" to describe a scene or subject that is exceptionally quiet and motionless, as in "The night was so still that you could hear a pin drop."

What are some alternatives to "so still"?

Alternatives include "perfectly still", "utterly still", or "completely motionless", depending on the desired emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to say "so still"?

Yes, "so still" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase, especially in descriptive writing.

What's the difference between "so still" and "very still"?

"So still" often implies a greater degree of stillness than "very still", suggesting an almost complete lack of movement. "Very still" is a more general description of limited movement.