stock-still

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stock-still" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone or something that is completely motionless or not moving at all. Example: "The deer stood stock-still in the clearing, blending perfectly with its surroundings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Sanding stock-still for hours.

The New Yorker

The left remains stock-still.

The Guardian - Sport

In fact the tension stays stock-still.

The Guardian - Books

But look closely at those stock-still appendages.

The New Yorker

The squadron of male models were as stock-still as Beefeaters.

The New York Times

Gawain stood stock-still and looked at him hard, properly, for the first time.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

I stood stock still.

Independent

The girls stand stock still; they all stand stock still.

The New Yorker

But its stock still declined 1.2percentt.

The New York Times

A great blue heron stood stock still.

The New York Times

It stops stock still to stare.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stock-still" to add emphasis and a slightly literary or descriptive flair to your writing when describing something completely motionless. It's particularly effective in narrative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "stock-still" excessively in formal or technical writing, as it can sound overly descriptive or informal. Opt for more neutral terms like "motionless" or "stationary" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stock-still" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of complete immobility. Ludwig examples show it used to describe people, animals, and even abstract concepts like tension, emphasizing their lack of movement or change.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Stock-still" is an adjective phrase used to describe a state of complete immobility. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in descriptive contexts within News & Media. While versatile, it's best suited for narrative or descriptive writing where emphasis on stillness is desired. Alternatives such as "completely motionless" or "perfectly still" offer similar meanings, but "stock-still" provides a more evocative and emphatic tone. Remember to use it judiciously in formal writing to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely motionless

Emphasizes the total absence of movement, similar to "stock-still".

perfectly still

Highlights the flawlessness and completeness of the stillness.

absolutely stationary

Focuses on the fixed position without any movement.

frozen in place

Suggests a sudden stop and inability to move, often due to fear or surprise.

motionless as a statue

Uses a simile to emphasize the lack of movement, comparing it to an inanimate object.

like a statue

Similar to 'motionless as a statue', it directly compares the subject to a statue, suggesting complete immobility and silence.

without moving

A simple and direct way to express the absence of movement.

inanimate

Describes something that lacks the qualities of active, living organisms, thus implying it is still.

immobile

Implies a state of being unable to move or be moved.

unmoving

A straightforward term for not in the process of moving.

FAQs

How can I use "stock-still" in a sentence?

Use "stock-still" to describe something that is completely motionless. For example, "The deer stood "stock-still", blending perfectly with its surroundings."

What can I say instead of "stock-still"?

You can use alternatives like "completely motionless", "perfectly still", or "absolutely stationary" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "stock-still" or "stock still"?

"Stock-still" is typically written as a single word, hyphenated. "Stock still" might be understood, but "stock-still" is the more common and accepted form.

What's the difference between "stock-still" and "still"?

"Still" simply means not moving. "Stock-still" implies a more complete and emphatic state of motionlessness, often suggesting a sense of surprise or intent.