still just

USAGE SUMMARY

"still just" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to add emphasis or to express the continuation of a certain situation or feeling. Example: She was still just a little girl, but she had already accomplished so much in her short life.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We're still just looking.

The New Yorker

It's still just December".

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm still just learning".

The New York Times

Sitting still — just sitting!

The New Yorker

Everything was still just swollen".

The New York Times - Sports

But he's still just 15".

The New York Times

We're still just writers.

The Guardian - Film

"We are still just Hollywood Indians".

Independent

But it's still just a fly".

The New York Times

Some still just can't stand her.

The New Yorker

But that is still just an idea.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "still just" to convey a sense of continuity combined with a sense of limitation or insignificance. For example, "After all these years, it's still just a small town."

Common error

Avoid using "still just" excessively in formal contexts, as it can sometimes sound dismissive or informal. Consider more precise language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "still just" functions as an adverbial modifier, adding emphasis and indicating that a particular state or condition remains unchanged. As demonstrated in Ludwig, it's used to highlight the continuation of something often with a sense of limitation or insignificance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

8%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "still just" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that functions as an adverbial modifier. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to emphasize the continuity of a state or condition, often implying a sense of limitation or lack of expected progress. While versatile, it's advisable to use it judiciously in formal writing to avoid sounding dismissive. Consider alternatives like "merely still" or "only just" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely still

Emphasizes the limited or basic nature of something that continues to exist.

only just

Highlights the fact that something is recent or barely achieved.

simply still

Stresses the uncomplicated or straightforward nature of a continuing state.

just now

Focuses on the immediate or recent occurrence of an action or state.

barely still

Implies a state that is only marginally or narrowly maintained.

yet still

Highlights the continuation of something despite expectations or challenges.

even now

Emphasizes that something is true up to the present moment.

as of now

Specifies the present time as the point of reference for a situation.

to this day

Indicates that something has continued unchanged until the current time.

remaining just

Emphasizes that something remains or is left in a certain state.

FAQs

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

Use "still just" to indicate that something remains in a particular state, often with a sense of disappointment or insignificance. For example, "After all this effort, it's "still just" a dream".

What does "still just" imply?

"Still just" often implies that a situation or condition has not progressed or improved as expected. It suggests a sense of continuity coupled with a lack of significant change.

Are there contexts where I shouldn't use "still just"?

While generally acceptable, "still just" may sound too informal or dismissive in formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral or precise phrasing in those settings.

What are some alternatives to "still just"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you could use alternatives like "merely still", "only just", or "simply still" to express a similar idea.