Still and Not…Any More: What Has Changed?
By the end: I can describe a continuing situation and a situation that has stopped.
Try the activities, then check your answers.
Try the activities, then check your answers.
Choose a short recording.
A situation continues
Still says that something was true before and remains true. Put it before an ordinary main verb.
I still work here.
She still lives with her sister.
Still with be
Put still after am, is or are in the usual order.
I’m still hungry.
The café is still open.
A situation has stopped
Put any more at the end of a negative statement in this pattern. Something was true before but is not true now.
I don’t work there any more.
The shop isn’t open any more.
Keeping a bike and riding it are separate situations
The speaker had it before and has it now.
The speaker rode it before but does not ride it now.
Guided practice
Say or write your answer first. Compare form and meaning with the model.
1. Add still: We live in the same flat.
Compare a model and explanation
We still live in the same flat.
Still normally precedes live.
2. Add still: He is busy.
Compare a model and explanation
He is still busy.
Still follows be.
3. Complete: I don’t use that computer ___.
Compare a model and explanation
any more
The negative describes a stopped situation.
4. Rewrite: She used to drive. She does not drive now.
Compare a model and explanation
She doesn’t drive any more.
The earlier activity has stopped.
5. Correct the target neutral order: I’m hungry still.
Compare a model and explanation
I’m still hungry.
This is the neutral position practised; final still can occur with particular emphasis.
6. Rewrite: The library was open before. It is closed now.
Compare a model and explanation
The library isn’t open any more.
Keep the negative.
7. Does I still live here mean I moved away?
Compare a model and explanation
No. I continue to live here.
Still indicates continuation.
8. Say one thing that continues and one that has stopped.
Compare a model and explanation
I still study English, but I don’t study French any more.
Other truthful or imaginary contrasts work.
A short conversation
Listen first, then open the transcript when useful.
Open the conversation transcript
A: Do you still work at the hotel?
B: No, I don’t work there any more.
A: Are you still living near the station?
B: Yes, I am. I still like that area.
Listening checks
Listen to each extract or open its transcript. These three questions have a separate score.
Mastery quiz
Choose the best answer for each situation. The score is out of eight.
Use it in your own words
Speaking 1
Say two things you still do or still have.
Reveal a possible response
I still read every day. I still have my first guitar.
Success check: Use still with suitable verbs.
Speaking 2
Describe two things that have stopped.
Reveal a possible response
I don’t live in my old flat any more. I don’t use that phone any more.
Success check: Use negatives with any more.
Put it all together
Compare your life now with five years ago. Include two continuing and two stopped situations.
Reveal a possible response
I still live in this town and I still enjoy music. I don’t work at the café any more, and I don’t travel by bus any more.
Success check: Keep continuation and change distinct.
Take it with you
I can describe a continuing situation and a situation that has stopped.