still then

USAGE SUMMARY

"still then" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to express something that has remained the same despite changes or events that have occurred. For example, "He had grown up in a small town, and still then, he was the same person he had always been."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"As long as you are spiritually still, then things happen.

The Guardian

Change came in March 2011 with the hope still then synonymous with the Arab Spring.

Independent

The goal still then is to make the Euro 2016 team?

The Guardian - Sport

And if, in his case, I made that harder still, then I'm sorry.

The Guardian - Film

However, even if they do that and get away with it, they are still then subject to British income tax.

The Economist

Still, then as now, "some artists were admired and well known, while others labored in obscurity," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

A career in journalism followed, first at the Times and later at what was still then the Manchester Guardian.

The Guardian - Books

Springsteen slumps against the mike stand, spent and still, then, regaining consciousness, shakes off the sweat No!

The New Yorker

At the end they were trading still, then embraced, knowing they had been part of something special.

The Guardian - Sport

In 1989 Cube, still then in NWA, told him he wasn't too sure about a solo album.

The Guardian - Music

And while it was still then nominally tonal, it was already distancing itself from the harmonic plumpness by which 19th-century tonality had been supported.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "still then" to emphasize that a situation or condition persisted despite intervening events or a lapse of time. It helps to show continuity where a change might have been expected.

Common error

Avoid using "still then" when a simple "still" or "then" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound redundant or awkward. For example, prefer "He was still working" over "He was still then working" if the continuation is already clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "still then" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the continuation of a state or action up to a certain point in time. Ludwig indicates the correct usage of the term.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "still then" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase that emphasizes the continuation of a state or condition despite intervening events. According to Ludwig, it is a valid phrase in written English. Its usage is most common in news and media contexts, serving to highlight persistence and resilience. While "still then" can sometimes be redundant, it effectively underscores continuity when used judiciously. Be mindful of potential overuse, and consider alternatives like "even so" or "nevertheless" for variety. The phrase is versatile across different registers, maintaining a generally neutral tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even so

Focuses more on concession or contrast despite a previous statement.

however

A direct contrast, often used to introduce an opposing idea.

nonetheless

Similar to "nevertheless" but can imply a slightly weaker contrast.

nevertheless

Highlights a contrast or exception after a preceding statement.

yet

A simpler way to express contrast or something unexpected.

despite that

Similar to "in spite of that" but slightly more formal.

in spite of that

Emphasizes overcoming an obstacle or previous condition.

at the same time

Indicates simultaneity rather than direct continuation.

subsequently

Highlights the sequence, indicating that something followed afterward.

afterward

A simple indication of something happening later.

FAQs

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

You can use "still then" to show that something remained the same despite a change or event. For example, "The town had modernized, but "still then" retained its historic charm."

What does "still then" emphasize in a sentence?

"Still then" emphasizes the continuation of a state or condition, highlighting that it persisted even after something else occurred. It underscores the lack of change or the resilience of the initial state.

What are some alternatives to using "still then"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "even so", "nevertheless", or "yet" to convey a similar meaning of continuation or persistence.

Is "still then" always necessary in a sentence, or can it be redundant?

While grammatically correct, "still then" can sometimes be redundant. Ensure its use adds emphasis or clarity; otherwise, using just "still" or "then" might be more concise. For instance, "He was still working" might be preferable to "He was "still then" working" if the continuation is already implied.