still

Saying Something Continues

Level 2

Still presents a state or activity as continuing: She still waiting. Its position and the surrounding clause help distinguish continuation from already marking a changed state.

How It Works

Still says that a situation continues at the reference time. She still waiting reports continued waiting. It differs from already marking a completed event or a changed state, even when the same person is involved.

The predicate can be an activity, location or description. Add now, just now or another time phrase if the reference time is otherwise unclear. A full be form can also occur: She is still waiting. Do not automatically add a complaint meaning; a continuing state may be welcome, neutral or troublesome depending on the situation.

Examples (4)

  1. She still waiting downstairs.

    She is still waiting downstairs.

  2. The coffee still hot.

    The coffee is still hot.

  3. We still got time.

    We still have time.

  4. At nine, the lights were still on.

    At nine, the lights were still on.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

stillLevel 2Saying Something Continues

Learn This First

Recognize an ongoing activity before saying it continues at the reference time.