stayed still

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stayed still" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that remains in a fixed position without movement. Example: "The cat stayed still, watching the bird outside the window."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

So she stayed still.

The New Yorker

People stayed still, riveted.

The Guardian

Ahmet stayed still on the floor.

The New Yorker

Models rarely stayed still for Richard Avedon.

The Guardian - Arts

We just stayed still like that.

The Guardian

He wept while she stayed still, occasionally rolling her eyes.

The New York Times

MTV stayed still for a second too long".

The New York Times - Arts

The back stayed still and just watched the wing-rights.

The Guardian

But I stayed still for a minute, and listened.

The Guardian - Travel

I went in with her thrusts and stayed still.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

One strong Bermuda tradition is afternoon tea, and some hotels without restaurants -- like Rosedon, a charming small inn in Hamilton, where we also stayed -- still offer a large teatime spread and an equally serious breakfast.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stayed still" when you want to emphasize a deliberate effort to remain motionless, often in response to a specific situation or instruction.

Common error

Avoid using "stayed still" when a more active verb would be more appropriate. For example, instead of "The company's growth stayed still", consider "The company's growth stagnated".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stayed still" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating a state of inactivity or lack of movement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples provided demonstrate its use in various narrative and descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stayed still" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a state of motionlessness or the act of remaining in a fixed position. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it carries a neutral tone and is versatile enough for descriptive narratives. When writing, consider active alternatives if a more dynamic description is needed. Explore other options like "remained motionless" or "kept still" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kept still

A more concise way of expressing the same idea.

remained motionless

Emphasizes the complete absence of movement.

didn't move

A simpler, more direct way to express the lack of movement.

stood motionless

Implies remaining in an upright position without moving.

remained stationary

Highlights the lack of movement from a fixed point.

held steady

Suggests maintaining a stable position, often against some force.

remained at rest

Emphasizes the state of being at complete rest.

stayed put

Indicates remaining in the same location or position.

held its position

Implies maintaining a specific location or rank.

ceased moving

Focuses on the act of stopping movement.

FAQs

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

You can use "stayed still" to describe someone or something that remained in a fixed position without moving, like "The dog "stayed still" while the vet examined it".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "stayed still"?

Alternatives include "remained motionless", "kept still", or "didn't move", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "stayed still" or should I use another phrase?

"Stayed still" is a correct and commonly used phrase. However, the best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. For example, "remained stationary" might be more appropriate in a scientific context.

What's the difference between "stayed still" and "stood still"?

"Stayed still" is a more general term for not moving, while "stood still" specifically implies remaining in an upright position without moving. You would use "stood still" when the subject is standing.