then still

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then still" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a continuation or persistence of a situation or condition despite previous statements or actions. Example: "He was tired, but then still decided to go for a run."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even then still not sure.

The New York Times

Is abstract art, then, still alive?

The Economist

And then, still don't do it.

The New York Times

Are we, then, still living?

The Guardian - Opinion

The reasons I gave then still apply.

The New York Times

"I'll be thirty-seven then, still young.

The New Yorker

What we knew then still holds true.

The New York Times

He'll be 14 by then, still immortal.

The New York Times - Sports

Is it then still worth sending it to Ghana?

University of California, Berkeley

Mr. Syngelakis, who was 7 then, still wants payback.

The New York Times

Then, still gazing in the mirror, the woman said, "Casa".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "then still" to clearly indicate that something remains true or continues to happen despite a preceding event or condition. This helps to maintain logical flow and avoid ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "then still" in overly simple sentences where the continuation is already obvious. This can make your writing sound repetitive and less sophisticated. Instead, consider using a simpler construction or a more concise adverb.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then still" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It indicates that an action or state persists or continues despite a previous event or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "then still" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase that effectively conveys the continuation of a state or action despite prior circumstances. As Ludwig AI points out, it is suitable for a variety of contexts, most prominently News & Media, Science and Academia but writers should be mindful of avoiding redundancy in simple sentences. Alternatives such as "yet still" or "however still" can provide subtle variations in emphasis. The phrase's wide acceptance and consistent application across authoritative sources solidify its place as a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet still

Replaces "then" with "yet", emphasizing contrast while retaining the sense of continuation.

however still

Substitutes "then" with "however", introducing a sense of concession before the continuation.

nevertheless still

Replaces "then" with "nevertheless", adding a stronger emphasis on contrast.

nonetheless still

Similar to "nevertheless still", but with a slightly more formal tone.

even then

Emphasizes the temporal aspect and introduces a conditionality not present in the original phrase.

even so

Offers a more concise alternative, implying continuation despite a preceding statement.

in spite of that

More explicitly indicates a contrast or concession, followed by a continuing action or state.

despite that

Similar to "in spite of that", but slightly less formal.

all the same

Implies a consistent state or action regardless of previous circumstances.

at the same time

Indicates simultaneity and continuation, shifting the focus from sequence to concurrence.

FAQs

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

You can use "then still" to show that something continues to be true or happens even after something else has occurred. For example: "He was tired, but "then still" decided to go for a run."

What are some alternatives to "then still"?

Some alternatives include "yet still", "however still", or "even then", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to use both "then" and "still" together?

While "then" and "still" can sometimes be redundant if used improperly, the combination "then still" often serves to emphasize the continuation or persistence of a condition or action, adding clarity or emphasis.

When is it best to avoid using "then still"?

Avoid using "then still" in contexts where the continuation is already strongly implied or obvious, as it can make the sentence sound awkward or repetitive. Simpler alternatives like "still" or restructuring the sentence might be preferable.