what was still

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what was still" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that remained unchanged or continued to exist at a certain point in time. Example: "What was still evident in the room was the lingering scent of fresh paint."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He had come to see what was still standing.

The New Yorker

He could sell his building materials to the contractor, at least what was still usable.

The New York Times

IT WAS a grisly end to what was still a political career full of promise.

The Economist

He sank that very long putt for par and celebrated what was still an amazing round.

The New York Times - Sports

(This datum bewilders, given Barr's famous appreciation of what was still termed "primitive" artistry.

The New Yorker

That sounded like a pretty daunting mission for what was still basically a tech start-up.

Harvard Business Review

A JPMorgan Chase spokesman, Andrew Gray, said that it was too early to discuss what was still a hypothetical situation.

The New York Times

Showing that stocks were treading water in what was still a bear market, the broader S.&P.

The New York Times

But it didn't take me long to get over this and appreciate what was still incredibly different.

The New York Times - Travel

And then came the selecting, with each owner and trainer picking from what was still available on the board.

The New York Times - Sports

For some retailers, the savings came as a lucky break in what was still a tough operating environment.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what was still" to emphasize the persistence of a condition, state, or object despite potential changes or challenges. It's most effective when highlighting a contrast or unexpected continuity.

Common error

Avoid using "what was still" when referring to situations that have definitively ended. This phrase is best used for conditions that, while potentially subject to change, remained in effect at a specific point in time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what was still" functions as a relative clause, introducing a description of something that persisted or remained in a particular state at a specific time. Ludwig confirms its validity and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what was still" serves as a relative clause to describe something persisting at a certain point. The phrase, as Ludwig confirms, is grammatically correct and widely used across different contexts, from News & Media to Science. While alternatives like "that which remained" exist, "what was still" often emphasizes ongoing existence amidst potential change. When using this phrase, ensure the condition you're describing genuinely persisted at the described time. This helps avoid potential errors in understanding timeframe.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what continued to be

Stresses the ongoing nature of a state or condition.

what carried on being

Emphasizes the uninterrupted continuation of a state or action.

that which remained

Focuses on the remaining part or aspect of something after a change or reduction.

what hadn't changed

Indicates that something has remained the same despite potential alterations.

what yet existed

Emphasizes the existence of something up to the present time.

that which was ongoing

Highlights the continuing progress or development of something.

that which persisted

Highlights the continuous existence of something despite challenges or changes.

what yet survived

Implies that something has endured or overcome difficulties to continue existing.

what was lingering

Implies a subtle or gradual continuation of something, often a feeling or condition.

that which endured

Focuses on the lasting or durable quality of something.

FAQs

How can I use "what was still" in a sentence?

The phrase "what was still" introduces a clause describing a condition, state, or object that persisted at a particular time. For example, "He went back to see "what was still" standing after the storm."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "what was still"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "that which remained", "what continued to be", or "that which persisted" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "what was still" and "what remained"?

While both phrases indicate persistence, "what was still" often implies a sense of ongoing existence amidst potential change, whereas "what remained" may focus more on the residue or leftover portion after a reduction or alteration.

Can "what was still" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "what was still" is appropriate for formal writing. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English and is found in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Economist.