What is still? Pronunciation and usage in English

still means . Learn how to pronounce and use still through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of still

stilladjective

/stɪl/
Definition & pronunciation of still

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "still" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /stɪl/ (rhymes with "till" – as in "until")

Let's break that down further:

  • "st": Pronounced like the "st" in "stop" or "street."
  • "i": This is a short "i" sound, as in "bit" or "sit." It’s not the long "i" as in "bike."
  • "l": Pronounced like the "l" in "lamp."

Here are some visual aids to help:

Common Mistakes and Why They're Wrong:

  • "stil" (like "steel"): This is a very common mistake, especially for learners. It’s incorrect.
  • "still" with a long "i" (as in "bike"): This isn't the correct sound.

Tips for Practicing:

  1. Listen carefully: Really pay attention to how native speakers pronounce it.
  2. Record yourself: Record yourself saying "still" and compare it to the pronunciation in the online resources.
  3. Slow it down: Practice saying each syllable separately (“st” – “i” – “l”) until you feel comfortable.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (Pronunciation can vary slightly by region.)

Usage and examples with the word still in English

Let's break down how to use the word "still" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different functions! Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. Emphasizing Continuation (Most Common Use)

  • Meaning: Indicates that something continues to be true or happening, even after a previous point in time. It emphasizes persistence or ongoing action.
  • Structure: Typically, it's placed before the verb or clause it’s modifying.
  • Examples:
    • "I still love chocolate." (I continue to love chocolate, even now.)
    • "He still lives in London." (He continues to live in London.)
    • "It’s still raining." (It continues to rain.)
    • "She still hasn't finished her homework." (She hasn't yet finished her homework - an ongoing situation.)

2. Expressing Surprise or Disbelief

  • Meaning: Used to express that something is surprising or difficult to believe, especially after an expectation. It's often used to highlight a contrast.
  • Structure: Often placed after a verb like "see," "hear," or "believe."
  • Examples:
    • “You still haven’t cleaned your room?” (Said with surprise that they haven't.)
    • “I still can't believe it happened!” (Expressing disbelief)
    • “I still see him sometimes.” (Surprising that they continue to see him.)

3. Location - "Still" as "At the Same Place"

  • Meaning: This usage is less common in everyday conversation, but important to know. It means "in the same place."
  • Structure: Usually follows a verb like "be" or "stay."
  • Examples:
    • "He is still at home." (He's in the same place as home.)
    • "They are still here." (They are in the same place as where they were last seen.)
    • “We are still in the car.” (We’re in the same location the car.)

4. With Adjectives – Meaning “Even” or “Yet”

  • Meaning: Can emphasize that something is yet to happen, or that something is true despite a previous condition.
  • Structure: Placed before the adjective.
  • Examples:
    • "Still cold” (Even though it’s passed the time when things should be warm.)
    • "Still young” (Despite their age.)
    • "Still beautiful” (Even after [something negative happened].)

5. With Verbs (Less Common, More Formal)

  • Meaning: Reaffirmation or insistence
  • Example: “He still insists on coming.” (He continues to insist.)

Key Points to Remember:

  • Intonation: The way you say "still" can change its meaning slightly. A rising intonation often indicates surprise or disbelief. A flat or steady intonation emphasizes continuation.
  • Context is Crucial: The meaning of "still" depends heavily on the surrounding words and the overall situation.

Let's test your understanding! Try completing these sentences with "still":

  1. I ______ haven't received your email.
  2. She ______ looks happy after the bad news.
  3. Are you ______ living in that small town?
  4. It ______ feels cold outside.

Answers (Don't peek until you've tried!):

  1. still
  2. still
  3. still
  4. still

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Explain a specific usage in more detail?
  • Create some practice sentences for you to translate?

Synonyms for the word still

Idioms of the word still

it's still early days | it's early days (yet)
(British English)used to say that it is too soon to be sure how a situation will develop
  • It's still early days. We don't know if the play will be a success.
much/still less
and certainly not
  • No explanation was offered, still less an apology.
  • He’s too shy to ask a stranger the time, much less speak to a room full of people.

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