still at it

USAGE SUMMARY

"still at it" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that someone is continuing to do something, often despite challenges or for a long time. Example: "After all these years, he's still at it, working on his novel." Alternative expressions include "still going strong" and "still working on it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

STILL AT IT I never leave the beach.

The New York Times

(He's still at it).

The New Yorker

They're still at it.

The New York Times

At 72, he is still at it.

The Economist

The fighting buffaloes are still at it.

The Economist

These days, boomers are still at it.

The New York Times

She's still at it.

The New Yorker

Dad was still at it.

The New York Times - Magazine

And they're still at it.

The New York Times

And he's still at it.

The Guardian - Books

2.18pm: They're STILL at it.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "still at it" when you want to emphasize the continuation of an action, especially when it has been ongoing for a significant amount of time or despite challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "still at it" when referring to a newly initiated action; it's best suited for situations with established effort over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "still at it" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the continuation of an action or state. It emphasizes the ongoing nature of the activity. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "still at it" is a common and versatile phrase used to indicate the continuation of an action or effort. Its strength lies in conveying persistence and dedication, particularly in contexts where the activity has been ongoing for a while or faces challenges. Ludwig AI affirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While predominantly found in neutral to informal contexts like News & Media, consider more formal alternatives for professional or scientific writing. Understanding its nuances allows for effective communication and appreciation of continued effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keeping at it

Similar in meaning but puts more emphasis on consistent application and effort.

still going

Focuses on the continuation of an action or state, removing the 'at it' for a more general sense of persistence.

still in progress

Emphasizes that something is currently underway and not yet finished, highlighting the ongoing nature of the task.

pushing forward

Focuses on forward movement and progress, despite potential obstacles or resistance.

continuing the effort

Formally indicates ongoing exertion towards a goal, replacing the idiomatic "at it" with a more explicit term.

persisting with it

Highlights the tenacity and determination in continuing, offering a more emphatic tone.

soldiering on

Implies continuing despite hardship or adversity, evoking a sense of resilience.

maintaining momentum

Emphasizes the importance of keeping the progress going and preventing stagnation.

plodding along

Suggests slow and steady progress, often in the face of difficulty, giving a sense of perseverance.

hammering away

Conveys the idea of repetitive and persistent effort, often used for tasks requiring dedication.

FAQs

How can I use "still at it" in a sentence?

You can use "still at it" to indicate that someone is continuing an activity, often after a long period or despite difficulties. For example, "Even after all these years, he's "still at it", working on his passion project".

What does "still at it" mean?

"Still at it" means continuing to do something, often something that has been ongoing for a while. It implies persistence and dedication.

What are some alternatives to saying "still at it"?

Alternatives include phrases like "still going", "keeping at it", or "persisting with it", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "still at it" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "still at it" is more suited for informal or neutral contexts. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "continuing the effort" or "remaining engaged" for a more professional tone.