Is Still A Conjunction? 5 Facts(When, Why & Examples)

Adverbial conjunctions otherwise known as conjunctive adverbs are adverbs that also do the work of a conjunction by connecting and linking words, phrases, sentences or clauses.

The word “still” is a conjunction, to be more particular and specific, it is an adverbial conjunction, which not only connects the clauses but also modifies the action word, describing word or another adverb in the clauses.

This article will elaborate on the usage of the word “still” as an adverbial conjunction.

When is “still” a conjunction

We already know that “still” can be a conjunction since it falls under the conjunctive adverb category. We shall here see when (at what places) it is a conjunction.

The word “still” will be a conjunction (adverbial conjunction) when it connects two clauses into a single sentence by stating that despite an action or a state of being in the first clause, the action in the second clause is occurring or happening.

Example: Rajesh himself is not very wealthy; still, he always helps those who ask for help.

Clause 1: Rajesh himself is not very wealthy

Clause 2: still, he always helps those who ask for help

In the above sentence, “still” is functioning as a conjunction (adverbial conjunction) and joining the two clauses into a single sentence. The usage of “still” shows us that despite not being very wealthy, Rajesh helps the people who ask for help.

How is “still” a conjunctive adverb

Here let us find out the reason why the word “still” is not just a normal conjunction, but a conjunctive adverb.

“Still” is a conjunctive adverb while connecting two clauses, as it introduces the second clause in a way it modifies the action word (verb) in the first clause. Any word that modifies the verb in the clause as well as connects or joins the clauses can be regarded as a conjunctive adverb.  

Example: Viransh is not feeling well; still, he wants to go to school.

Clause 1: Viransh is not feeling well

Clause 2: still, he wants to go to school (adverbial modifier)

Here, “still” is a conjunctive adverb since it is linking both the clauses together and also is telling us that despite the state of being (is not feeling well) of Viransh (in the first clause), he wants to do another action (go to school) in the second clause. In this way, the second clause, which is introduced with “still” becomes an adverbial modifier of the first clauses’ action word or state of being (is not feeling well).

Examples of “still” as conjunction

For a better understanding let us explore a few examples of “still” used as adverbial conjunctions.

The table below consists of a lit of example sentences in which the word “still” is utilized as adverbial conjunction.

ExamplesExplanations
1. We tried out best; still, we were not able to convince him.Clause 1: we tried out best
Clause 2: still, we were not able to convince him

“Still”, here is an adverbial conjunction since it is connecting the clauses by telling us despite “we” trying best, “he” could not be convinced.
2. The basketball team played well; still, they could not defeat their opponent team.Clause 1: the basketball team played well
Clause 2: still, they could not defeat their opponent team

“Still”, here is an adverbial conjunction as it is joining the clauses by conveying to us though the team played well, they were not able to defeat their opponent.
3. Gagana lodged a complaint regarding the power cut last evening; still, it has not yet been resolved.Clause 1: Gagana lodged a complaint regarding the power cut last evening
Clause 2: still, it has not yet been resolved

“Still”, here is an adverbial conjunction since it is connecting the clauses by telling us even though Gagana complained last evening regarding the power cut, till now it is not solved.
4. Piyaali prepared well for the declamation; still, she was feeling nervous and diffident.Clause 1: Piyaali prepared well for the declamation
Clause 2: still, she was feeling nervous and diffident

“Still”, here is an adverbial conjunction because it is used to join the clauses by conveying to us despite having prepared well, Piyali was not feeling confident.
5. It was not raining; still, she carried an umbrella in her bag.Clause 1: it was not raining
Clause 2: still, she carried an umbrella in her bag

“Still”, here is an adverbial conjunction as it is used to link the clauses by conveying to us though there were no rains she was having an umbrella in her bag.
Examples of “still” as conjunction

In all the above sentences, we saw that the word “still” is connecting two clauses that are contrasting from each other. It is used to show the contrast in ideas between both the clauses.

When is “still” not considered as conjunction

The word “still” can function as a conjunction only when it is linking words, clauses or sentences. Let us here see, when “still” is not functioning as a conjunction.

The word “still” is not considered as a conjunction when it takes up the roles of other parts of speech such as noun, adjective, verb and adverb. Depending upon the context in which the word “still” is used, it’s part of speech differs.

Example: When we were playing dark room, all of us stood still, to escape from the catcher.

In the above sentence, the word “still” is not a conjunction since it is not used as a connector here. The word “still” is used as an adverb here, since it is modifying the action word (verb) “stood”, by telling us how “we” stood.

Examples of “still” not considered as conjunctions

With the aid of examples, let us here find out how the word “still” is used as different parts of speech other than conjunction.

The table below contains a list of example sentences where the word “still” is not used as conjunctions, but as other different parts of speech.

ExamplesUsesExplanations
1. The still that she took in the mountain top has come out really well.Used as a noun.The word “still” in this sentence is a noun as it is naming an object “a photograph”.
2. The mother stilled the child’s cry by patting her on the back.Used as a verb.In this sentence, the word “still” is used an action word (verb) as “stilled” here means clamed, pacified, soothed.
3. The still river looks amazing in the winter.Used as an adjective.Here, the word “still” is functioning as an adjective, since it is giving us more information (describing) about the noun “river”.
4. When you are acting like a tree, stand still, don’t move.Used as an adverb.In this sentence, the word “still” is taking up the role of an adverb as it is modifying the action word (verb) “stand” by telling us how to stand.
Examples of “still” not considered as conjunctions

Conclusion

This article clearly explains how and why the word “still” is not regarded as a simple conjunction but a conjunctive adverb or an adverbial conjunction.