still water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "still water" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe water that is still, quiet, and not moving (as opposed to "running water" which would be more active and moving). For example, "We sat by the lake, the still water reflecting the sunset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The still water.

The Guardian - Books

Still water — not too cold".

The New Yorker

It's not all still water.

The Guardian - Travel

The still water is poured.

The Guardian - Books

There's still water in that shaft".

The New York Times

"Like a flute by still water".

The Guardian - Books

His eyes are like still water.

The New Yorker

Spain, it turned out, was still water.

The New York Times

Then he went back to looking at the still water.

The New York Times - Sports

Rowboats are best on lakes or other still water.

The New York Times

"We can't do damage assessment because there's still water.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing natural landscapes or serene environments, use "still water" to evoke a sense of tranquility and reflection. For example, "The moon's reflection shimmered on the still water of the lake."

Common error

Avoid using "still water" when you mean flowing or running water. "Still water" specifically refers to water that is not moving, whereas running water implies movement such as a river or stream.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "still water" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing bodies of water and metaphorical concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "still water" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to describe water that is not moving. As noted by Ludwig, it's often used to evoke calmness or tranquility. It appears frequently in News & Media and Scientific sources and is also used in WikiHow guides. While interchangeable with phrases like "flat water", it is essential to avoid confusing it with "running water". When using "still water", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning of calmness and lack of motion. Ludwig examples from authoritative sources highlight the diverse ways the phrase can be effectively employed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flat water

Emphasizes the lack of effervescence or movement on the water's surface.

calm water

Indicates a peaceful and undisturbed state of the water.

non-carbonated water

Focuses on the absence of carbonation, differentiating it from sparkling water.

placid water

Suggests a gentle and tranquil quality of the water.

unruffled water

Focuses on the smoothness and undisturbed surface of the water.

unmoving water

Stresses the lack of motion, similar to "motionless water".

motionless water

Highlights the absence of movement in the water.

quiescent water

Implies a state of inactivity and stillness.

standing water

Refers to water that is not flowing, often implying a potential for stagnation.

inert water

Emphasizes the lack of chemical or biological activity in the water, in addition to the stillness.

FAQs

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

You can use "still water" to describe a calm lake, a pool, or any body of water without movement. For example: "The surface of the lake was still water, reflecting the trees perfectly."

What is the difference between "still water" and "running water"?

"Still water" refers to water that is not moving, like a pond or a calm lake. "Running water" refers to water that is flowing, such as a river or stream.

When is it appropriate to use "flat water" instead of "still water"?

While the phrases are very similar, "flat water" often implies water with a smooth surface, ideal for activities like boating or swimming, while "still water" more broadly describes any non-moving water.

Can "still water" have any negative connotations?

Sometimes, "still water" can imply stagnation or a lack of freshness, especially when referring to drinking water or environments where mosquitoes breed. However, this is context-dependent.