they were still

USAGE SUMMARY

"they were still" is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase has several uses, depending on the context. For example, you might use it to describe the continuation of an action, like in this sentence: They were still trying to find a solution when the meeting ended.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were still together.

The New York Times

They were still there.

The New York Times - Travel

They were still bandaged up.

The New Yorker

But they were still creative.

The Economist

And they were still recording.

The Economist

But they were still broke.

The New York Times

They were still warm.

The Washington Post

They were still angry.

The Washington Post

They were still wet.

The New Yorker

They were still traumatised".

The Guardian

Yet they were still alive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were still", ensure the context makes it clear what "they" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For instance, instead of "They were still there", specify: "The protesters were still there."

Common error

Avoid using "they were still" when the situation has definitively changed or ended. Saying "They were still working on it, but they finished last week" is contradictory. Use past perfect tense instead, such as "They had still been working on it."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were still" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the continuation of an action, state, or condition. Ludwig AI shows its frequent usage across various contexts to express persistence or ongoing situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were still" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that indicates the continuation of a state or action up to a certain point in time. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted in various writing contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure the timeframe is clear and avoid using it when the situation has definitively ended. Remember that alternatives like "they remained" or "they continued to be" can provide subtle shifts in emphasis. The high source quality and expert rating further validate its reliability and appropriateness in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they continued to be

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of their existence or state.

they remained

Focuses more on the state of remaining in a particular condition or place.

they continued as

Highlights the continuation of being in a specific state.

they persisted in

Highlights the act of persevering or continuing despite obstacles.

they existed as

Expresses the condition of being alive or in existence.

they were yet

Implies a condition or state existing up to a certain point in time.

they stood as

Implies a certain arrangement/condition for a specific thing.

they were as yet

Adds a slightly more formal tone to the idea of something still being the case.

they happened to be

Indicates the presence of something in a state, perhaps unexpectedly.

they were previously

Highlights an earlier condition of a thing or person.

FAQs

How can I use "they were still" in a sentence?

The phrase "they were still" indicates a continuation of a state or action. For example, "Despite the setbacks, "they were still" determined to succeed" shows perseverance.

What are some alternatives to "they were still"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "they remained", "they continued to be", or "they persisted in" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "they were still" and "they are still"?

Yes, "they were still" refers to a past situation that continued up to a point in the past, while "they are still" refers to a present situation that continues into the present. For example, "They were still waiting when I left" versus "They are still waiting now".

When is it incorrect to use "they were still"?

It's incorrect to use "they were still" if the action or state has definitively ended and no longer applies. For example, don't say "They were still working on the project, but it's finished now". Instead, say "They had been working on the project".