stand still

USAGE SUMMARY

"stand still" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to tell someone to not move or act. Example: "Stand still while I measure your height."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Goodell's stand still resonates.

The New York Times

It doesn't stand still.

The New York Times - Arts

We cannot stand still.

Stanford University

He did not stand still.

The New York Times - Sports

"I can never stand still.

The New York Times

She can't stand still.

The Guardian - Opinion

Do I stand still?

The New Yorker

You can't stand still.

Harvard Business Review

It will not stand still.

Yale University

Experiment, don't stand still.

The Guardian

Time doesn't stand still.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "stand still" for a specific purpose (e.g., taking a photo or measuring height), ensure your tone is clear and direct to avoid confusion. Consider adding a brief explanation of why stillness is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "stand still" when you mean to convey progress or innovation. "Stand still" implies a lack of movement or advancement, so it's unsuitable in contexts where development is desired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stand still" primarily functions as an imperative verb phrase, used to issue a direct command or instruction. Ludwig shows numerous examples where it's used to tell someone to stop moving. The phrase is also used descriptively to indicate a lack of progress or change, which Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stand still" is a common and versatile expression with a straightforward meaning: to stop moving. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its primary function is to issue a direct command, but it also serves as a descriptor for stagnation. While generally neutral in register, it can be adapted to various contexts. The frequency analysis shows its prevalence in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "remain motionless" or "stay put", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain motionless

Focuses on the absence of movement, emphasizing a static state.

be still

A general instruction to remain calm and without movement.

don't move

A direct command to cease movement immediately.

keep still

Similar to "be still", but may imply maintaining stillness over a period of time.

hold steady

Implies maintaining balance or position, often used in a physical context.

stop moving

A clear and straightforward instruction to halt any ongoing movement.

freeze

Implies a sudden and immediate cessation of all movement.

remain stationary

Emphasizes the lack of movement in a formal or technical context.

stay put

Suggests remaining in a specific location without moving.

do not budge

Highlights the importance of not even slightly moving from the current position.

FAQs

How do I use "stand still" in a sentence?

"Stand still" is typically used as an imperative, instructing someone to stop moving. For example, you might say, "Stand still while I take your picture" or "The guard ordered him to stand still".

What can I say instead of "stand still"?

Alternatives include "remain motionless", "hold steady", or "stay put", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "stand still" formal or informal?

"Stand still" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "remain stationary" might be preferred in highly formal situations.

Can "stand still" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "stand still" can be used metaphorically to describe a situation or entity that is not progressing or changing. For example, "If we don't innovate, our company will stand still".