still and all

USAGE SUMMARY

"still and all" is a phrase commonly used in written English to indicate a sort of reconciliation between two opposing points of view.
For example, you could say, "The cost of living has increased, still and all, it's still cheaper than our old city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

But, still and all, Donal nearly cried.

The New Yorker

But still and all I'm better than you.

The New Yorker

Still and all, there's no two men the same.

The New Yorker

But still and all I'll take the Big Apple.

The New York Times

Still and all, it is by far his best work, deftly assembled to move and surprise.

The Guardian - Arts

Still and all, this is not a show that one shrugs off.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

"I'm still young, still learning, and all my family and friends are nearby.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We're still there, and all these soldiers are still getting killed.

The New York Times

The Giants are alive, still, backups and all.

The New York Times - Sports

"Crystal-meth use is still rising, and all this despite restrictions".

The New Yorker

Still, hubris and all that: this newly effective coalition could be shattered if taken for granted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "still and all" to smoothly transition between contrasting ideas, adding a touch of conversational tone to your writing. For example: "The project was challenging; still and all, it was a rewarding experience."

Common error

Avoid using "still and all" excessively in formal writing or academic papers, as it can sound too informal. Opt for more formal alternatives like "nevertheless" or "nonetheless" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "still and all" functions as an adverbial conjunction, serving to introduce a contrasting or qualifying statement. Ludwig AI confirms its role in connecting ideas, often softening the contrast with a sense of acceptance. It's frequently used to acknowledge a previous point while introducing a different perspective.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "still and all" serves as a conversational conjunction, used to introduce a contrasting or qualifying point. Ludwig AI and the provided examples confirm its frequent usage in News & Media, with a neutral formality level. While grammatically correct, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in academic or business contexts. When aiming for a blend of contrast and acceptance, "still and all" offers a nuanced way to connect opposing ideas, though overuse should be avoided to maintain clarity and professionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nevertheless

Formal synonym emphasizing contrast.

nonetheless

Similar to "nevertheless" but slightly less formal.

even so

Indicates concession, highlighting that something is true despite a previous statement.

all the same

Implies that something remains unchanged despite what has been said.

be that as it may

Formal expression indicating acceptance of a situation while introducing a contrasting point.

despite that

Directly points out a contradiction or something unexpected.

in spite of that

Similar to "despite that", also emphasizing a contrast.

yet

Simple conjunction indicating contrast or something unexpected.

however

Common conjunction introducing a contrasting statement.

that said

Introduces an opposing viewpoint after acknowledging a previous statement.

FAQs

How can I use "still and all" in a sentence?

"Still and all" is typically used to introduce a contrasting or qualifying statement. For example, "The weather was terrible, "still and all", we enjoyed the trip."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "still and all"?

Alternatives to "still and all" include "nevertheless", "nonetheless", "even so", or "all the same". These phrases introduce a contrast or concession.

Is "still and all" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "still and all" is generally considered informal. For formal writing, it's better to use alternatives like "however" or "despite that".

What's the difference between "still and all" and "but"?

Both "still and all" and "but" introduce a contrast. However, "still and all" carries a slightly more conversational tone, suggesting a sense of acceptance or resignation alongside the contrast, whereas "but" is a more direct contrast.