What is difference between still and till
by Yogi P - October 19, 2023
Difference between still and till
Understanding the difference between still and till can be quite confusing. Although both words are related, they have very different meanings and usages. To understand them better, let’s explore what they mean in greater detail.
Still: can be used both as an adverb and a conjunction. When used as an adverb, it generally means that something is continuing or remaining unchanged.
For example – “I still haven’t decided what I want to do”. As a conjunction, it is used to link two words or phrases together to emphasize a contrast between them.
For example – “He’s still working although he is tired”.
Till: generally means up until a certain time. It is most often used as a preposition.
For example – “I’ll wait here till he arrives”.
It can also be used as a conjunction, to mean until. For example – “I’m going to stay up till midnight.”
Table Summarising the Difference between Still and Till:
| Word | Still | Till |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Continuing/unchanged | Until a certain time |
| Usage | Adverb/Conjunction | Preposition/Conjunction |
| Examples | I still haven’t decided what I want to do. | I’m going to stay up till midnight. |
The key difference between these words lies in their respective usages and contexts. To reinforce their meanings, let’s consider some examples of their appropriate usage.
- He’s still running even though he’s very tired.
- We’ll see each other again till next week.
- I’ll wait here still he arrives.
- She still hadn’t finished her work the next day.
To become better at distinguishing between the two words, practice identifying the context when you come across them. Look for the time frame being described and the grammar of the sentence itself in order to decide which word – still or till – is most suitable.
Overview of difference between “still” and “till” (or “until”):
| Aspect | Still | Till (or Until) |
|---|---|---|
| Part of Speech | Adverb | Preposition or conjunction |
| Meaning | Continuation of a situation or action in progress | A temporal boundary or limit that extends to a specific point in time |
| Usage | Describes an ongoing situation or action that continues from the past to the present | Indicates a specific point in time when something ends or a limit is reached |
| Example | She is still working on the project. | The event will continue until 9 PM. |
| Time Reference | Present or past to present | Future, leading up to a specific point |
| Synonyms | Yet, even now, up to now | Until, up to, up to the point when |
| Alternative Spelling | No variation | “Until” is an alternative spelling of “till.” |
By understanding the main differences between still and till, you can ensure that your sentences are grammatically correct. With proper practice, you can confidently and accurately use these words in the right contexts and situations.
Conclusion
To conclude, still and till have their distinct meanings and usages, which must be kept in mind to avoid confusion. As you get more comfortable with distinguishing between the two words, you will be able to naturally use them correctly in your own writing.
