Still vs. Yet: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 21, 2024
"Still" indicates continuity or persistence, while "yet" suggests an expectation or something not happening until now.
Key Differences
"Still" is used to denote that a situation or action is continuing or remains unchanged up to a point in time. For example, "She is still working at the office." Conversely, "yet" implies that something expected has not happened until now, often used in negative or interrogative sentences, like "Has he arrived yet?"
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
When "still" is used, it emphasizes the ongoing nature of an action or state. It is often used to express a little surprise or impatience. For instance, "I'm still waiting for the email." On the other hand, "yet" is used to indicate that the speaker expects the action to happen at some point, as in "The results aren't out yet."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
In the context of time, "still" is used when an action or situation continues from the past into the present. It suggests endurance or persistence, as in "It's evening, and she is still at work." "Yet" is more about the anticipation of a future occurrence, implying that the action might occur later, as in "I haven't completed the report yet."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
"Still" can also be used for emphasis, to strengthen the degree of a statement, like "The movie was still more interesting than I expected." Whereas, "yet" is often used in questions or negative sentences to refer to things that have not happened up to the present time, as in "Have you seen the movie yet?"
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
In summary, "still" often has a sense of something ongoing, or continuing beyond expected, such as "He's still talking about the same topic." "Yet," however, implies a sense of expectation and potential future occurrence, commonly seen in sentences like "The book isn’t published yet."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Usage in Sentences
Used in affirmative, negative, and interrogative sentences.
Primarily used in negative and interrogative sentences.
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Jan 21, 2024
Time Reference
Indicates ongoing action or state from past to present.
Implies action or event expected to happen, but has not yet occurred.
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Jan 21, 2024
Expectation
Suggests continuity or persistence, sometimes with surprise.
Indicates that something has not happened but may happen in the future.
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Jan 21, 2024
Sentence Example
"She is still working on the project."
"Is the project completed yet?"
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Jan 21, 2024
Emphasis
Emphasizes the duration or persistence of a situation.
Focuses on the anticipation or delay of an event.
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Jan 21, 2024
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Still and Yet Definitions
Still
Still indicates continuous action or state up to a point.
He's still reading the same book.
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Jan 09, 2024
Yet
Yet suggests something expected hasn't occurred so far.
I haven't finished my homework yet.
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Jan 09, 2024
Still
Still suggests something remains unchanged over time.
The weather is still very cold.
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Jan 09, 2024
Yet
Yet is used to indicate that something could or will happen.
She may yet win the competition.
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Jan 09, 2024
Still
Not moving or in motion
The patient must be still for the doctor to work.
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Jan 06, 2024
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Yet
Yet can express the delay or expectation of an event.
They have yet to announce the winners.
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Jan 09, 2024
Still
Free from disturbance, agitation, or commotion
The still waters of the lake.
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Jan 06, 2024
Still
Of or relating to a single or static photograph as opposed to a movie.
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Jan 06, 2024
Still
Making or characterized by no sound or faint sound
The crowd cheered and then grew still.
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Jan 06, 2024
Still
A still photograph, especially one taken from a scene of a movie and used for promotional purposes.
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Jan 06, 2024
Yet
And despite this; nevertheless
She said she would be late, yet she arrived on time.
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Jan 06, 2024
Still
An apparatus for distilling liquids, such as alcohols, consisting of a vessel in which the substance is vaporized by heat and a cooling device in which the vapor is condensed.
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Jan 06, 2024
Yet
In negative or interrogative use, often with an expectation or potential of something happening in the future.
I haven't finished yet.
Have you finished yet?
We do not yet know what happened.
He has never yet been late for an appointment.
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Jan 06, 2024
Yet
In negative imperative use, asking for an action to be delayed.
Don't switch it on yet – wait until I've reconnected the pump.
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Jan 06, 2024
Yet
In affirmative use: still.
He is yet breathing. (He is still breathing.)
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Jan 06, 2024
Yet
Not as of the time referenced.
I’ve yet to see him. — I have not yet seen him.
I had yet to go to a convention. — I had not yet gone to a convention.
They are yet to win a single match. — They have not yet won a single match.
He seemed yet to be convinced. — He seemed not yet to have been convinced.
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Jan 06, 2024
Yet
Nevertheless; however; but; despite that.
I thought I knew you, yet how wrong I was.
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Jan 06, 2024
Still
To make motionless or unagitated
The afternoon heat stilled the breeze.
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Jan 06, 2024
Still
To make quiet; silence
"a ... cold wind that stilled even the chorus of insects" (David Campbell).
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Jan 06, 2024
Yet
To melt; found; cast (e.g. metal, by pouring it into a mould when molten).
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Jan 06, 2024
Yet
Any one of several species of large marine gastropods belonging to the genus Yetus, or Cymba; a boat shell.
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Jan 06, 2024
Yet
In addition; further; besides; over and above; still.
This furnishes us with yet one more reason why our savior, lays such a particular stress acts of mercy.
The rapine is made yet blacker by the pretense of piety and justice.
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Jan 06, 2024
Yet
At the same time; by continuance from a former state; still.
Facts they had heard while they were yet heathens.
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Jan 06, 2024
Still
(not comparable) Having the same stated quality continuously from a past time
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Jan 06, 2024
Yet
Even; - used emphatically.
Men may not too rashly believe the confessions of witches, nor yet the evidence against them.
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Jan 06, 2024
Yet
Nevertheless; notwithstanding; however.
Yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
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Jan 06, 2024
Yet
Up to the present time;
I have yet to see the results
Details are yet to be worked out
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Jan 06, 2024
Still
(aspect) Up to a time, as in the preceding time.
Is it still raining?
It was still raining five minutes ago.
We've seen most of the sights, but we are still visiting the museum.
I’m still not wise enough to answer that.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Yet
Used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time;
So far he hasn't called
The sun isn't up yet
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Jan 06, 2024
Still
(degree) To an even greater degree. Used to modify comparative adjectives or adverbs.
Tom is tall; Dick is taller; Harry is still taller / Harry is taller still.
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Jan 06, 2024
Yet
To a greater degree or extent; used with comparisons;
Looked sick and felt even worse
An even (or still) more interesting problem
Still another problem must be solved
A yet sadder tale
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Jan 06, 2024
Still
(conjunctive) Nevertheless.
I’m not hungry, but I’ll still manage to find room for dessert.
Yeah, but still...
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Jan 06, 2024
Yet
Within an indefinite time or at an unspecified future time;
He will understand eventually
He longed for the flowers that were yet to show themselves
Sooner or later you will have to face the facts
In time they came to accept the harsh reality
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Jan 06, 2024
Yet
Used after a superlative;
This is the best so far
The largest drug bust yet
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Jan 06, 2024
Yet
Despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession);
Although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try it
While we disliked each other, nevertheless we agreed
He was a stern yet fair master
Granted that it is dangerous, all the same I still want to go
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Yet
Yet is often used in questions about the occurrence of an event.
Have you talked to your manager yet?
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Jan 09, 2024
Yet
Yet implies future possibility in negative sentences.
The sun hasn't risen yet.
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Jan 09, 2024
Still
(catering) The area in a restaurant used to make tea and coffee, separate from the main kitchen.
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Jan 06, 2024
Still
To expel spirit from by heat, or to evaporate and condense in a refrigeratory; to distill.
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Jan 06, 2024
Still
Uttering no sound; silent; as, the audience is still; the animals are still.
The sea that roared at thy command,At thy command was still.
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Jan 06, 2024
Still
Not disturbed by noise or agitation; quiet; calm; as, a still evening; a still atmosphere.
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Jan 06, 2024
Still
A vessel, boiler, or copper used in the distillation of liquids; specifically, one used for the distillation of alcoholic liquors; a retort. The name is sometimes applied to the whole apparatus used in in vaporization and condensation.
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Jan 06, 2024
Still
To this time; until and during the time now present; now no less than before; yet.
It hath been anciently reported, and is still received.
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Jan 06, 2024
Still
In continuation by successive or repeated acts; always; ever; constantly; uniformly.
The desire of fame betrays an ambitious man into indecencies that lessen his reputation; he is still afraid lest any of his actions should be thrown away in private.
Chemists would be rich if they could still do in great quantities what they have sometimes done in little.
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Jan 06, 2024
Still
In an increasing or additional degree; even more; - much used with comparatives.
The guilt being great, the fear doth still exceed.
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Jan 06, 2024
Still
Notwithstanding what has been said or done; in spite of what has occured; nevertheless; - sometimes used as a conjunction. See Synonym of But.
As sunshine, broken in the rill,Though turned astray, is sunshine still.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Still
After that; after what is stated.
In the primitive church, such as by fear being compelled to sacrifice to strange gods, after repented, and kept still the office of preaching the gospel.
And like the watchful minutes to the hour,Still and anon cheered up the heavy time.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Still
To stop, as motion or agitation; to cause to become quiet, or comparatively quiet; to check the agitation of; as, to still the raging sea.
He having a full sway over the water, had power to still and compose it, as well as to move and disturb it.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Still
To stop, as noise; to silence.
With his name the mothers still their babies.
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Jan 06, 2024
Still
To appease; to calm; to quiet, as tumult, agitation, or excitement; as, to still the passions.
Toil that would, at least, have stilled an unquiet impulse in me.
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Jan 06, 2024
Still
To expel spirit from by heat, or to evaporate and condense in a refrigeratory; to distill.
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Jan 06, 2024
Still
A static photograph (especially one taken from a movie and used for advertising purposes);
He wanted some stills for a magazine ad
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Jan 06, 2024
Still
An apparatus used for the distillation of liquids; consists of a vessel in which a substance is vaporized by heat and a condenser where the vapor is condensed
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Jan 06, 2024
Still
Cause to be quiet or not talk;
Please silence the children in the church!
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Jan 06, 2024
Still
Lessen the intensity of or calm;
The news eased my conscience
Still the fears
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Still
Marked by absence of sound;
A silent house
Soundless footsteps on the grass
The night was still
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Jan 06, 2024
Still
Free from disturbance;
A ribbon of sand between the angry sea and the placid bay
The quiet waters of a lagoon
A lake of tranquil blue water reflecting a tranquil blue sky
A smooth channel crossing
Scarcely a ripple on the still water
Unruffled water
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Still
Used of pictures; of a single or static photograph not presented so as to create the illusion of motion; or representing objects not capable of motion;
A still photograph
Cezanne's still life of apples
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Still
With reference to action or condition; without change, interruption, or cessation;
It's still warm outside
Will you still love me when we're old and grey?
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Still
Despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession);
Although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try it
While we disliked each other, nevertheless we agreed
He was a stern yet fair master
Granted that it is dangerous, all the same I still want to go
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Still
To a greater degree or extent; used with comparisons;
Looked sick and felt even worse
An even (or still) more interesting problem
Still another problem must be solved
A yet sadder tale
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Still
Without moving or making a sound;
He sat still as a statue
Time stood still
They waited stock-still outside the door
He couldn't hold still any longer
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Still
Still can emphasize a degree or extent in a situation.
The test was still difficult, despite my preparation.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Still
Still is used to express surprise about the continuation of a situation.
She's still not ready to leave!
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Still
Still can indicate contrast or defiance in a situation.
Despite the noise, I still managed to concentrate.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can 'still' be used in negative sentences?
Yes, 'still' can be used in negative sentences to emphasize continuity, like "She still hasn't called."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
Is 'yet' used in affirmative sentences?
'Yet' is rarely used in affirmative sentences; it's mainly in negatives or questions.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
How does 'still' convey surprise?
'Still' can express surprise by highlighting that something is continuing longer than expected.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
Can 'still' indicate a contrast?
Yes, 'still' can indicate a contrast or defiance, as in "Despite the rain, we still went out."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
How is 'yet' typically used?
'Yet' is used to indicate something expected hasn't happened as of now, often in negative or interrogative sentences.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
What does 'still' mean in a sentence?
'Still' means something is ongoing or unchanged until the present moment.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
What does 'yet' imply in a question?
In a question, 'yet' asks whether an expected action has occurred or not.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
Is 'still' used in future tense?
'Still' is generally used in present and past tense, not typically in future tense.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
Does 'yet' always suggest a future occurrence?
'Yet' often suggests a future occurrence or possibility, especially in negative sentences.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
Can 'yet' indicate a potential change?
Yes, 'yet' can indicate that a situation may change, as in "Things could get better yet."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
Can 'still' be replaced with 'continuously'?
'Still' and 'continuously' are similar, but 'still' often emphasizes a longer duration than expected.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
Is 'still' used in informal conversation?
Yes, 'still' is commonly used in both informal and formal conversations.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
What is a common context for using 'still'?
A common context for 'still' is when discussing something that has not changed over time.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
How is 'yet' used to express delay?
'Yet' expresses delay by indicating something hasn't happened but is expected, like "The train hasn't arrived yet."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
How does 'yet' work in negative sentences?
In negative sentences, 'yet' indicates that an expected event has not happened, like "He hasn't apologized yet."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
Can 'still' be used for emphasis?
Yes, 'still' can be used to emphasize the extent or degree of a situation.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
How does 'still' differ from 'already'?
'Still' indicates ongoing action, while 'already' suggests something has happened earlier than expected.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
Does 'yet' imply disappointment?
'Yet' can imply disappointment or impatience, depending on the context.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
Is 'yet' appropriate in formal writing?
Yes, 'yet' is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
Can 'yet' be used at the beginning of a sentence?
Yes, 'yet' can start a sentence, especially in formal or literary contexts, to emphasize contrast or continuation.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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