What is the meaning of “still” in English? What is the difference between “still” and “yet“? – This English lesson answers both of those questions.
“still” can be either an adjective or adverb.
“still” as an adjective
“still” describes something that is not moving. Something that is static and stays in the same position.
Examples:
Those children never stay still.
The water in the lake is very still. (calm, no waves)
Another common example as an adjective is “still drink”
This is a drink that is not fizzy. A still drink is a drink without bubbles or gas.
Examples:
Mark: Would you like a coke?
Jane: No I’d prefer a still drink please.
“still” as an adverb
“still” is also an adverb in English. More specifically, it is an adverb of time.
We use “still” to indicate and emphasise that something is continuing. A situation has NOT finished, perhaps surprisingly.
Example:
(Monday):
Mark: How are you feeling?
Jane: I have a cold.
(Tuesday):
Mark: How are you feeling today?
Jane: I still have a cold.
Position of “still” in a sentence
The position of “still” in a sentence depends on the type of verb:
If the sentence has a main verb without auxiliary verb, “still” comes immediately before it.
Example: I still watch cartoons.
If the sentence has an auxiliary / modal verb, “still” goes in the middle position between the auxiliary / modal and the main verb.
Example: He is still waiting for the bus.
Finally, if the sentence has the verb “be” as a main verb or linking verb, then “still” goes after the verb “to be“.
Example: I am still tired.
Opposite meaning of “still”
There are 3 structures which mean the opposite of “still“
“no longer” – Example: I’m no longer living in Bristol.
“not any more” – Example: I’m not living in Manchester any more.
“not any longer” – Example: I’m not living in London any longer.
“still” with negatives in the present perfect
We often use “still” with negative sentences in the present perfect to describe a situation that should have happened, but it has not happened.
The position of “still” is between the subject and the auxiliary verb “have“.
Examples:
I still haven’t found my keys.
The customer still hasn’t paid the invoice.
“still” or “yet”
We use “still” to describe a continuing situation.
Example 1:
Mark and David still play video games together.
(They continue to play video games together.)
We do not use “yet“:
Mark and David yet play video games together.
Example 2:
Mark: Is Jane still living in New York?
(Meaning: I know she was living in New York. You told me last time we spoke. Does she continue to live there? )
David: Yes. She’s still living there. She loves it.
Mark: Is Jane living in New York yet?
(Meaning: I know she wanted to live in New York. You told me last time we spoke. Has she moved there? )
David: No, she’s going to move there next year.
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В этой статье мы поможем разобраться в том, в каких случаях употребляются наречия just (только что), already (уже), yet (уже, еще), still (до сих пор) и как они связаны с Present Perfect (настоящим совершенным временем).
Зная, как правильно использовать наречия just, already, yet и still, вы сможете грамотно построить свою речь, а при чтении или просмотре видео на английском языке — лучше ориентироваться во временных рамках событий. В качестве видеопримеров покажем отрывки из «Гарри Поттера».
Just
Чаще всего just выступает словом-маркером времени Present Perfect и переводится как «только что». В основном его используют в утверждениях и ставят перед смысловым глаголом:
I have just woken up. — Я только что проснулся.
Tony has just booked the ticket. — Тони только что заказал билет.
Look! We have just fixed your camera. — Смотри! Мы только что починили твой фотоаппарат.
I’ve just seen him around. — Я его только что видел поблизости.
Just может использоваться в качестве синонима only, в таком случае just будет иметь значение «только», «лишь», «всего лишь». Если в предложении есть глагол to be, just следует сразу после него:
This cough medicine costs just 100 roubles. — Это лекарство от кашля стоит всего лишь сто рублей.
He is just a kid. — Он всего лишь ребенок.
We are just watching. — Мы только лишь смотрим.
Также just может встречаться как синоним слова exactly. В этом случае just будет переводиться как «точно», «точь-в-точь».
You act just like your father! — Ты ведешь себя точно как твой отец!
Just может выступать в качестве синонима словам simply (просто), absolutely (абсолютно), чтобы сделать акцент на утверждении:
It is just perfect! — Это просто идеально!
Можно использовать just, чтобы сделать повелительное наклонение более резким:
Just shut up! — Замолчи!
Также just можем использовать, чтобы сделать просьбу чуть более вежливой:
Could you just give me a piece of advice? — Не могли бы вы дать мне совет?
Already
Слово already чаще всего выступает маркером времени Present Perfect. В этом случае оно переводится как «уже» и стоит между вспомогательным и смысловым глаголами. Already обычно используется в утвердительных предложениях.
I’ve already seen this film. — Я уже видел этот фильм.
Debbie has already settled down in NY. — Дэбби уже обосновалась в Нью-Йорке.
They have already checked out. — Они уже выехали из отеля.
Already может означать «раньше, чем ожидалось». Употребляется в утвердительных и вопросительных предложениях.
Timmy is only 18 but he is already a head of the company. — Тимми всего лишь 18, а он уже глава компании.
Are they already here? — Они уже здесь?
Look! I can already ride a bicycle! — Смотри! Я уже умею ездить на велосипеде!
Чтобы выразить удивление, ставим already в конец предложения.
Are you moving to US already? — Ты уже переезжаешь в Соединенные Штаты?
Yet
Yet часто выступает маркером времени Present Perfect и стоит в конце предложения. В отрицательном предложении yet переводится как «еще», а в вопросительном — «уже». Давайте посмотрим на примеры английских предложений со словом yet:
Have you fed the dog yet? — Ты уже покормил собаку?
Has he cleaned up his room yet? — Он уже убрался в своей комнате?
Eddy hasn’t told me anything yet. — Эдди мне еще ничего не рассказал.
They haven’t come back yet. — Они еще не вернулись.
Yet может означать, что что-то еще не произошло, но мы ожидаем, что это произойдет в будущем. В этих случаях yet можно перевести как «пока что», «все еще».
This service is not yet available. — Эта услуга пока что недоступна.
The situation is really dangerous, but help can yet come. — Ситуация действительно опасная, но помощь все еще может прийти.
Yet встречается в утвердительных предложениях вместе с прилагательным превосходной степени и переводится как «на данный момент», «на текущее время»:
This is his best song yet! — Это его лучшая песня на данный момент!
Также yet можно перевести как «но», «однако», «несмотря на». В этом случае yet стоит в начале или середине предложения:
Yet it is terrible weather outside, we have decided to go for a walk. — Несмотря на ужасную погоду, мы решили пойти на прогулку.
Our Xbox is broken, yet we are having much fun. — Наш Xbox сломался, но мы продолжаем веселиться.
Yet может использоваться, чтобы сделать на чем-то акцент, выразить удивление или негодование. Вместе со словами more (еще), another (еще один) и again (снова) значение yet близко к even (даже, еще более).
We’ll need yet more chocolate. — Нам потребуется еще больше шоколада.
The teacher gave us yet another task! — Учитель дал нам еще одно задание!
This proves yet again that she was right. — Это еще раз доказывает, что она была права.
Still
Still означает, что нечто осталось неизменным. Это наречие используется в ситуациях, когда что-то происходит дольше, чем ожидалось. На русский чаще всего переводится как «до сих пор», «все еще».
It still drives people crazy. — Это все еще сводит людей с ума.
В этом же значении still можно встретить после модального и вспомогательного глаголов или после глагола to be.
I can still see you. — Я все еще тебя вижу.
She looked around, and they were still looking at her. — Она оглянулась, но они все еще смотрели на нее.
They are still happy. — Они по-прежнему счастливы.
С помощью still можно выразить недовольство сложившейся ситуацией, если поставить его после подлежащего в отрицательном предложении:
You still don’t understand this grammar rule! — Ты до сих пор не понимаешь это грамматическое правило!
Мы можем использовать still, когда что-то произошло, несмотря на какие-либо обстоятельства. В этом случае оно выступает синонимом фразы on the other hand (с другой стороны) и наречия nevertheless (но все же):
Marcus had overslept but still he got to the meeting on time. — Маркус проспал, но все же добрался на встречу вовремя.
I hate jogging. Still I have to do it to keep fit. — Ненавижу бегать. Но все же мне приходится это делать, чтобы держать себя в форме.
В чем же разница между still и yet? Чтобы ответить на этот вопрос, обратимся к примерам:
He is still hungry. — Он до сих пор голоден.
He hasn’t eaten yet. — Он еще не ел.
She is still crying. — Она по-прежнему плачет.
She hasn’t stopped crying yet. — Она еще не перестала плакать.
Still указывает на продолжительность действия и на то, что действие еще не закончилось. Yet же говорит о том, что ожидаемое действие еще не произошло.
Надеемся, что статья была полезной, а употребление already, just, yet и still больше не вызовет затруднений.
Предлагаем пройти небольшой тест, чтобы закрепить полученные знания.
Тест по теме «Наречия just, already, yet и still»
Если вы хотите больше упражнений на already, just, yet и still, записывайтесь на курс практической грамматики.
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When meaning «nevertheless», add a comma after «still» at the start of a sentence or clause. When using «still» as a regular adverb, to modify a single word, do not use commas to separate «still» from the verb or adjective it describes.
When using «still» as a regular adverb, to modify a single word, do not use commas to separate «still» from the verb or adjective it describes.
Emma can do it because she is still young.
Emma can do it because she is, still young.
When meaning «nevertheless», add a comma after «still» at the start of a sentence or clause.
John is very lucky to have you; still, he doesn’t love you.
But the comma is optional in mid-sentence if the interruption of the flow is slight.
Those who take the greatest care still make mistakes.
Contents
- 1. How to Use ‘Still’
- 2. ‘Still’ as a Regular Adverb
- 3. ‘Still’ as a Conjunctive Adverb
1. How to Use ‘Still’
As an adverb, «still» is typically used:
- to indicate that something is quiet or has no motion (e.g., «Sit still.»)
- to express or emphasize that something is continuing (e.g., «I still have a cold.»)
- to describe a situation that should have happened, but it has not happened (e.g., «I still haven’t found a job.»)
- as a synonym of «nevertheless» to show contrast and surprise (e.g., «We studied English punctuation, and sometimes we are still not certain when to use a comma.»)
2. ‘Still’ as a Regular Adverb
In general, do not use commas to separate regular adverbs of time from the verb, adjective, or adverb they modify.
Be still while I take your blood pressure.
Be still, while I take your blood pressure.
In the previous sentence, «still» modifies a single word («be»), so no comma.
The following sentence shows how to use «still» to express that something is continuing.
I still want to be with you.
Again, no comma before or after «still» because it describes a single word («want» in the example above).
3. ‘Still’ as a Conjunctive Adverb
Use a comma after «still» at the start of a sentence when meaning «nevertheless» or «in spite of that».
You may want to buy a new vehicle. Still, you don’t have to. You can repair your own car.
In sentences like these, «still» is a conjunctive adverb, which help us connect two thoughts.
I’ve been studying German for three years; still, I cannot understand it well.
The comma after «still» signals that the adverb modifies the whole clause or sentence that follows.
We’ve been working hard on the software development project. Still, the program does not work correctly.
At the beginning of a sentence, «still» should be preceded by a semicolon or a period.
Olivia is smart and creative; still, she can’t solve the puzzle.
We can also use «still» in the middle or at the end of a sentence to mean «nevertheless». In this case, we use commas to stress an interruption.
Peter didn’t play well last Sunday, but he is, still, the best player of the team.
But no comma is necessary if the interruption is slight.
It seems crazy, but you still can do it.
You may be angry at her, but she’s still your sister.
Examples of how to use the word “still” in a sentence. How to connect “still” with other words to make correct English sentences.
still (adv, adj): continuing to happen or continuing to be done; staying in the same position; not moving
Use “still” in a sentence
He’s alive, his heart is still beating. |
There’s still plenty of room for improvement. |
Are you still at the office? |
He’s still living with his parents. |
The railway is still under construction. |
He’s still recovering from his operation. |
This area is still very rural. |
We still have space for one more person. |
He still has a curious and youthful spirit. |
It is still in the testing stage. |
The paint was still sticky. |
I wrote to them last month and I’m still waiting for a reply. |
I still have a lot of work to do. |
Can you still remember where we first met?
Back to “3000 Most Common Words in English” |
Still is an adverb and an adjective.
What kind of adverb is the word still?
Cambridge Dictionary categorize “still” as “Time adverbs“ another post classify it as “Connecting/linking adverbs”.
Which type of noun is still?
still used as a noun:
A non-moving photograph. (The term is generally used only when it is necessary to distinguish from movies.)
What is the verb of still?
verb (1) stilled stilling stills. Definition of still (Entry 2 of 7) intransitive verb. : to become motionless or silent : quiet.
Is still an adverb of frequency?
Adverbs such as always already ever never often rarely seldom sometimes still usually generally regularly are placed as follows in sentences : after the verb BE: Charlie is always late.
Is the word still a conjunction?
While still may appear in conjunctive phrases like but still it is not itself a conjunction. Therefore: It’s a small car yet it’s surprisingly spacious. The weather was cold and wet yet we had a great time.
Is still a conjunctive adverb?
Some common conjunctive adverbs are accordingly also anyway besides certainly consequently finally furthermore hence however incidentally indeed instead likewise meanwhile moreover nevertheless next nonetheless otherwise similarly still subsequently then therefore and thus.
What is still in English grammar?
We use still to show that something continues up to a time in the past present or future. It goes in front of the main verb: Even when my father was 65 he still enjoyed playing tennis.
Is stil a word?
No stil is not in the scrabble dictionary.
What is the meaning of still now?
adverb [ADVERB before verb] If a situation that used to exist still exists it has continued and exists now.
Is still noun or adjective?
Still is an adverb and an adjective.
Where do you put still?
Still expresses continuity. In positive sentences it is placed before the main verb and after auxiliary verbs such as be have might will. If the main verb is to be then place still after it rather than before. In questions still goes before the main verb.
What is the sentence of still?
[M] [T] She still loves him even though he doesn’t love her anymore. [M] [T] If he had taken his doctor’s advice he might still be alive. [M] [T] She was advised by him to go abroad while she was still young. [M] [T] I can still remember the time when we went on a picnic together.
Is today an adverb or noun?
Despite the confusion created by the various categorizations in multiple dictionaries the words yesterday today and tomorrow are nouns. All three words have plural and possessive forms and all three words can perform all ten nominal functions including adjunct adverbial.
Is last year an adverb?
Examples of Adverb of time are- today yesterday tomorrow last year next year gone month coming month now then annually daily often everyday all day never ever occasionally fortnightly etc.
Is Late an adverb of time?
Grammar. Late or lately? Late is both an adverb and an adjective it means the opposite of early. … Late as an adverb means ‘not on time’: …
Which type of conjunction is still?
There are two kinds of conjunctions a primary class of COORDINATING conjunctions and a secondary class called SUBORDINATING or SUBORDINATE conjunctions.
…
accordingly | in fact |
---|---|
finally | nevertheless |
for example | otherwise |
further | still |
furthermore | that is |
See also how many died in the cold war
How can I use still?
We use still to show that something continues up to the time referred to. It is used in the past present or future. Still is placed in front of the main verb: Even though he was a teenager he still loved playing outside.
Where does still go in a sentence?
We use still to show that something continues up to a time in the past present or future. It goes in front of the main verb: Even when my father was 65 he still enjoyed playing tennis. It’s past midnight but she’s still doing her homework.
Is some a conjunction?
A conjunction is a word that is used to connect words phrases and clauses. There are many conjunctions in the English language but some common ones include and or but because for if and when.
…
Subordinating conjunctions.
Relationship | Common subordinating conjunctions |
---|---|
Cause and effect | because since as |
How do you identify conjunctive adverbs?
A conjunctive adverb which can also be called an adverbial conjunction brings together two complete thoughts like a conjunction. They use the second clause to modify the first clause like an adverb. Conjunctive adverbs can follow a semicolon or a period and typically have a comma after them.
What are the examples of adverb?
: a word that describes a verb an adjective another adverb or a sentence and that is often used to show time manner place or degree In “arrived early ” “runs slowly ” “stayed home ” and “works hard” the words “early ” “slowly ” “home ” and “hard” are adverbs.
Is still there or is there still?
Both places are correct. The former gives more emphasis and the latter is the usual way.
How do you use still as a verb in a sentence?
The wind stilled. still somebody/something She spoke quietly to still the frightened child. His words stilled my fears.
Is somewhat an adverb?
Somewhat means to some extent. An example of somewhat used as an adverb is in the sentence “He is somewhat hungry ” which means that he is not starving but he is not full either.
Is even an adverb?
The word ‘even’ can be used as an adverb and an adjective.
Is still yet a correct English?
= He still hasn’t found an investor.
See also What Is A Steppe Climate?
Note that still generally comes before the verb while yet is usually placed at the end of the sentence. In questions YET has a similar meaning to already (by now):
Is it correct to say yet still?
So the best tip to remember their difference lies in their meanings i.e. still means something which is continuing and yet means until now. Further still is mainly used with present continuous tense whereas yet is used with present perfect tense.
Can we use still in past tense?
Yes “still” can be used with past tense but there may be a slight difference in meaning. I told him not to go but he still went.
How do you use still in a question?
We use still in questions affirmative and negative sentences to indicate that something is not finished and that we are perhaps surprised or concerned about this. Because it is emphatic it often carries considerable word stress: Is it still raining? ~ Yes it’s still raining.
Is still an example?
“She is still asleep.” “He is still better at chess than me.” “It is still bright outside.” “I’m still angry at him.”
…
How to Use “Still” with Example Sentences.
Previous Word by Letter: stick | Next Word by Letter: stock |
---|---|
Previous Word by Frequency: had | Next Word by Frequency: system |
Is today an adjective or adverb?
“Today’s class finished early.” Here the word today is an adjective because it answers the question of WHICH ONE. It is a possessive adjective that is describing the subject noun “class.” Which class finished early? Today’s.
Is now an adjective?
As detailed above ‘now’ can be an adjective a conjunction an interjection a noun or an adverb. … Noun usage: There is no better time than now. Adverb usage: Now I am six.
What is the adverb of today?
On the current day or date. In the current era nowadays.