still as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "still as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone or something that is completely motionless or quiet. Example: "The cat sat on the windowsill, still as a statue, watching the birds outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We can't stand still as a game.

The Guardian - Sport

Flag stays very still as a curious bird investigates.

Princeton University

Still, as a first-time exhibitor, he seemed unfazed.

The New York Times - Arts

Nothing is so still as a red rowboat.

The New Yorker

Still, as a director, Abrams has chosen to let go.

The Washington Post

Still, as a political matter, attacking scientists has limited effectiveness.

The New York Times

Six hours later, there she stood, still as a statue.

The New York Times

Still, as a diagnostician, Rosenbaum is on target.

The New York Times - Books

He will remain as still as a statue.

The New York Times - Sports

The teachers that we had we still, as a company, look up to those individuals.

University of California, Berkeley

Still as a critical factor the high rate of electron-hole recombination limits its potential applications.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "still as a" in your writing, consider the specific imagery you want to evoke. The effectiveness of the simile depends on choosing a comparison that resonates with the reader's experience and enhances the description.

Common error

Avoid clichés by selecting original and evocative comparisons rather than overused phrases. Instead of always saying "still as a statue", try "still as a held breath" or "still as a secret" to add originality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "still as a" functions primarily as a simile, which is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things using "as" or "like". Ludwig's examples showcase its use to describe states of immobility or tranquility by associating a subject with something known for being still.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

15%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "still as a" is a common and grammatically sound simile used to effectively describe something that is motionless or unchanging. According to Ludwig, its usage is prevalent in contexts such as news and media, academic writing, and general descriptions, with notable appearances in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The New Yorker. While the phrase is generally neutral, avoid overusing it by exploring creative alternatives to prevent clichés. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase, making it a reliable choice for descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

motionless like a

Emphasizes the complete absence of movement through comparison, similar to "still as a".

unmoving as a

Directly highlights the lack of physical movement, offering a more literal description.

as steady as a

Highlights stability and lack of wavering, often used for objects or metaphorical situations.

fixed like a

Implies a permanent or unchanging state, adding a dimension of permanence.

calm like a

Shifts the focus to tranquility and peacefulness rather than just lack of movement.

unchanging like a

Focuses on the absence of change or alteration over time, adding a temporal dimension.

serene like a

Suggests a state of peacefulness and tranquility, adding an emotional dimension.

quiet as a

Focuses on the absence of sound, providing a different sensory emphasis compared to "still as a".

inert as a

Emphasizes the lack of chemical or physical activity or reaction, often in scientific contexts.

lifeless like a

Highlights the absence of life or animation, often used to describe inanimate objects or beings.

FAQs

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

The phrase "still as a" is used to describe something that is motionless. For example, "He remained "still as a statue", not daring to breathe."

What does "still as a" mean?

The phrase "still as a" is a simile used to indicate a complete lack of movement. It's often used to emphasize the quietness or immobility of a subject, comparing it to something known for its stillness.

Which is the correct way to use "still as a": with or without a hyphen?

The phrase "still as a" does not require a hyphen. It functions as a simile, comparing something to something else that is still.

What can I say instead of "still as a"?

Alternatives include phrases like "motionless as a", "unmoving as a", or "quiet as a", depending on the nuance you want to convey.