still have been

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'still have been' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express that something has persisted over a period of time. For example: 'We still have been unable to find a solution to the problem.'.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

More still have been caught plotting attacks.

The Guardian

"She would still have been there".

The New York Times

There would still have been uproar.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cut by half, they would still have been excessive.

The New York Times - Arts

As late as 1940, it might still have been avoided.

The New Yorker

He may still have been painting in 1660.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Firefighters would still have been roughly 3 minutes away.

The New York Times

It could still have been an absolute disaster.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Worse still have been the trailers for the new Aladdin.

The Guardian - Film

We'd still have been these two quite different people.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Officials say they still have been unable to locate 46 people reported missing.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "still have been" to indicate that a situation or action has continued over a period of time, especially when contrasting it with a previous state or expectation. This is often used in conditional sentences or when discussing hypothetical scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using "still have been" when a simpler tense like "are still" or "have been" is more appropriate. "Still have been" is best suited for complex constructions involving conditional or perfect tenses, not for simple present or past continuous actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "still have been" functions as an auxiliary verb phrase within more complex verb structures, typically in perfect tenses, to indicate the continuation of a state or action up to a certain point in time. The "still" emphasizes persistence or continuation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "still have been" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed auxiliary verb phrase, used to express the continuation of an action, state, or condition. It particularly shines in conditional or hypothetical scenarios, emphasizing persistence over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's valid and appears across diverse sources, ranging from News & Media to Academic and Scientific publications. Alternatives like "continue to be" or "remain to be" can be used depending on the context. When using "still have been", ensure it fits the complex tense construction for clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are still

A more concise way to indicate a continuing state.

have continued to be

Highlights the continuation of an action or state over time.

continue to be

Emphasizes ongoing existence or state.

remain to be

Focuses on a state that persists into the present.

have kept on being

Indicates a consistent and uninterrupted continuation.

have persisted in being

Stresses the sustained effort or nature of something.

have endured as

Focuses on the ability to withstand challenges and continue.

have always been

Emphasizes a state or condition that has been true at all times.

have traditionally been

Highlights continuation rooted in convention or established practice.

have historically been

Points to a pattern that has been present throughout history.

FAQs

How can I use "still have been" in a sentence?

Use "still have been" to indicate a continuing state or action, particularly in hypothetical or conditional contexts. For example, "If the funding had been approved, the project would "still have been" in progress."

What's the difference between "still have been" and "have been"?

"Have been" indicates a state or action that occurred at some point in the past and continues to the present. "Still have been" suggests a continuation of that state or action, often against an expected change or in a hypothetical scenario. The inclusion of "still" emphasizes the persistence.

What are some alternatives to "still have been"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "continue to be", "remain to be", or "are still" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "still have been" grammatically correct?

Yes, "still have been" is grammatically correct when used in the appropriate context, typically involving perfect tenses and conditional or hypothetical scenarios. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usage across diverse sources.