stand still vs Be still

Both 'stand still' and 'be still' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'Stand still' is used when someone is physically standing and not moving, while 'be still' is used to indicate being quiet or calm.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 842 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate that someone should stop moving while standing.

"stand still"

Use 'stand still' when you want to ask someone to stop moving while they are in a standing position.

Examples:

The teacher asked the students to stand still during the fire drill.
Please stand still while I take your measurements.
The photographer told the model to stand still for the photo.
I can't get a clear shot if you don't stand still.
The dog stood still, waiting for its owner.

Show examples from the web [+]

Yet time, it seemed to stand still.
ARICLAIM may cause a sensation of restlessness or an inability to sit or stand still.
To check his pulse I had to make him stand still.
All right, then just stand still, Bobby.
Hold on, Russell, stand still.
Put the weapon down and stand still.
He can't stand still for a minute.
If you stand still you can reach deeper into the sound.
If you stand still, we will turn you into a masterpiece of modern art.
Looking up from the earth's surface, it seems to stand still at a height of roughly 36000 km - it has a geostationary position.
If you stand still, the landscape doesn't necessarily tell you how big it is.
You couldn't sit, can't stand still.
I just got to stand still, and they'll be all over me.
Okay, guys, stand still.
I'm saying don't stand still.
He cannot stand still when the trumpet sounds.
It takes fortitude to stand still.
I'd stand still for you, but it's medically impossible.
I could just stand here and stand still.
I hardly think we stand still, Mr Selfridge.

Alternatives:

stay still
remain still
keep still
stand motionless
stand stationary

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate that someone should be quiet or calm.

"Be still"

Use 'be still' when you want to ask someone to be quiet or calm, especially in a soothing or calming context.

Examples:

The mother whispered to her baby, 'Be still and sleep.'
The meditation instructor said, 'Close your eyes and be still.'
The therapist advised the patient to be still and focus on their breathing.
In the chapel, a sign read, 'Be still and know that I am God.'
The teacher asked the class to be still and listen to the music.

Show examples from the web [+]

Must be still out there somewhere.
He might be still sleeping so please call the bus terminal right away.
See, you're not supposed to be still Apophis' First Prime.
Be still, between little Addolorata brings us to eat.
Be still, and let her help you.
Your sister may be still alive.
It should be still here, inside our perimeter.
Annie, be still and let her help you.
You're lucky to be still alive.
Joxer may be still alive, but someone else is dead.
I'm just a very fortunate man to be still here, talking to you about my life.
Be still, my poor heart.
Be still your heart, Doctor.
Be still, my beating heart.
Be still my heart I'm hardly breathing
Be still your hearts, my handsome girls, it's Brannigan here.
Be still, my beating heart.
Be still, or she will end up dead like you.
Be still and be silent and return unscathed to your homes and your families.
Be still Our guest is still with us

Alternatives:

be quiet
be calm
stay quiet
keep calm
remain calm

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stand still vs Be still

"stand still"

"Be still"

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