speak still

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "speak still" is not commonly used in modern written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It could be used in a poetic or literary context to suggest speaking quietly or calmly, but it is not standard. Example: "In the quiet of the night, let us speak still, sharing our thoughts without disturbing the peace."

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

He slips into art-history speak, still talking at warp speed.

The New York Times

The fate of "Starry" is, so to speak, still up in the air.

The New York Times

One patient, a 50-year-old man who had a breathing tube down his throat and was unable to speak, still remained unidentified on Sunday evening, officials said.

The New York Times

There are fewer flashes of the puckish humour these days and he is more cautious in his pronouncements, but he is nonetheless saying more than the government would like, and recent actions by his supporters speak still louder.

The Guardian - Arts

These stories are sprinkled with striking images and flashes of humor: a casino customer's face "went from ruddy ebullience to pallid defeat in two hours"; an old man who could hardly speak "still whistled at all the nurses who entered his room, even the ugly ones".

The New York Times - Books

"A customer was able to get an Elsa doll that they could not find in all of New York City, and they had it delivered to their house in 23 minutes," said Ms. Landry, who was authorized by the company to speak, still sounding exhilarated months later about providing "Frozen" dolls in record time.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"Refined," as Wilson notes, originally meant "processed," and, gastronomically speaking, still does.

The New Yorker

Woods coughed occasionally as he spoke, still feeling lingering symptoms from a flu he caught last month.

The New York Times - Sports

They are, generally speaking, still profitable, but they can't help but sulk after the crumbling of their boom-time dreams.

The New Yorker

But Voyager 1 magnetic field measurements show that the spacecraft is still traveling through the magnetic field of the sun and strictly speaking still within the heliosphere.

Science Magazine

"The aftershocks, so to speak, are still unfolding.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity in contemporary writing, consider using more common alternatives like "continue to speak" or "still express" instead of "speak still".

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "speak still" in formal or modern contexts where it may sound unnatural or stilted. Opt for more conventional expressions to maintain clarity and flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speak still" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "speak" is the main verb and "still" modifies it, indicating the continuation or persistence of the action. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is acceptable but not commonly used, affecting its overall clarity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while "speak still" is grammatically acceptable, it is rarely used in modern English. Ludwig AI notes that the phrase is not incorrect but uncommon, potentially leading to awkwardness or lack of clarity. It functions as a verb phrase emphasizing the continuation of speech, often with a neutral register. For clearer communication, consider more common alternatives like "continue speaking" or "still express". The contexts where it appears are generally news and media or scientific writing, but its overall frequency remains low.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue speaking

Highlights the ongoing nature of someone's speech.

continue to speak

Emphasizes the continuation of the action of speaking.

keep speaking

Indicates the act of repeatedly speaking.

go on speaking

Indicates that the person did not stop speaking.

still express

Focuses on the act of conveying thoughts or feelings that persist.

still communicate

Focuses on the act of conveying information, which continues.

persist in speaking

Suggests a determined continuation of speaking, even against opposition.

still articulate

Highlights the ability to clearly express oneself even now.

yet speak

Introduces an element of contrast; someone speaks despite a prior condition.

continue to voice

Emphasizes the continuous expression of an opinion or feeling.

FAQs

What does "speak still" mean?

The phrase "speak still" is not commonly used in modern English. It could mean to continue speaking, or to express something quietly or calmly, depending on the context. More common alternatives might be "continue to speak" or "still express".

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

While not common, you might use "speak still" in literary or poetic contexts. For example: "Though discouraged, he chose to speak still, sharing his vision with unwavering conviction." However, more conventional phrasing is generally preferred.

Are there better alternatives to "speak still"?

Yes, depending on the intended meaning. If you mean to continue speaking, use "continue speaking". If you mean to express something that remains true, use "still express". Clarity is key.

Is "speak still" grammatically incorrect?

While not strictly incorrect, the phrase "speak still" is uncommon and may sound awkward to native English speakers. It's generally better to use more conventional phrasing to avoid confusion or sounding unnatural.