utterly still

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly still" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of complete silence or lack of movement, often in a poetic or dramatic context. Example: "The forest was utterly still, as if time itself had paused to listen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

The house was utterly still.

The New York Times - Magazine

The room is utterly still.

The New Yorker

He wheezed audibly and was utterly still.

The New York Times

He was, for starters, standing utterly still.

The New York Times

If we keep utterly still, we can suffer no wear and tear, and will never die.

The New Yorker

The room felt like the eye of a storm: at once electric and utterly still.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

I looked at the faces around the kitchen and, to a one, all were staring down at the floor, all perfectly silent, perfectly still, utterly alone.

The New York Times - Magazine

Indeed, there's something strangely nondescript about Berkeley — a little gaunt yet a little doughy, his mind utterly sharp yet still a bit lost and distracted, as if he were somehow elsewhere.

The New Yorker

The movement, of course, did no such thing, and Greer's bright hopes for "a new breed of women" for whom her analysis of "sex oppression in the developed world in the second half of the 20th century would be utterly irrelevant" still remain unfulfilled.

The Guardian - Books

There'Somens mofe in here the—like Ann from Greenland (coolestere) who we met indigenousn Christiania where she speoplemost of her time weth fellow Inuit immigrants, and many others.  .

Vice

That geographical specificity is important when considering Chill Out's place in both the annals of electronic music history, and why this 44 minute long exploration of drug addled-consciousness is still utterly, utterly perfect today.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly still" to create a sense of profound quiet or anticipation in your writing. It's particularly effective when describing a scene just before or after a significant event.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly still" excessively in dialogue, as it can sound unnatural. Opt for more common conversational phrases unless you're aiming for a specific dramatic effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly still" functions as an adverbial modifier describing the state of something. The adverb "utterly" intensifies the adjective "still", emphasizing the completeness of the stillness. As confirmed by Ludwig, the expression is valid.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

99%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utterly still" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that vividly describes a state of complete quiet and lack of motion. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and suitable for various contexts, especially in news, media, and descriptive writing. It's effective in setting a mood of tranquility or suspense. While the phrase is generally neutral, it's best to avoid overuse in dialogue. Alternatives like "completely motionless" or "perfectly silent" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. The phrase's communicative power lies in its ability to convey a sense of profound quiet, making it a valuable tool for writers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

motionless and silent

Combines both the absence of movement and sound for a comprehensive description.

completely motionless

Emphasizes the absence of movement, focusing on the physical aspect of stillness.

perfectly unmoving

Focuses solely on the lack of physical motion.

perfectly silent

Focuses on the absence of sound, highlighting the auditory aspect of stillness.

absolutely quiet

Similar to 'perfectly silent' but may suggest a more general sense of peacefulness.

totally tranquil

Highlights the peaceful and calm nature of the stillness.

entirely placid

Emphasizes the calmness and lack of disturbance.

deathly quiet

Implies a silence that is ominous or unsettling.

eerily silent

Suggests a strange or mysterious quality to the silence.

uncannily still

Highlights the unusual or unexpected nature of the stillness.

FAQs

What does "utterly still" mean?

The phrase "utterly still" describes a state of complete silence and lack of movement. It suggests a profound sense of quiet and immobility.

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

You can use "utterly still" to describe a scene or a person. For example: "The forest was utterly still" or "He stood utterly still, listening intently."

What are some alternatives to "utterly still"?

Alternatives include "completely motionless", "perfectly silent", or "absolutely quiet", depending on the context.

Is "utterly still" a formal or informal expression?

"Utterly still" is a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, it leans slightly toward descriptive and literary contexts.