are still the some (same)

Writers often confuse two short phrases that look similar but do different jobs: "still the same" (unchanged) and "still some" (a remaining amount). Small slips change meaning or make sentences sound awkward.

Quick answer: Which one to use?

Use "still the same" when something hasn't changed. Use "still some" when part of a quantity remains-usually with a verb (there is/are, have).

• "still the same" = unchanged. Pattern: subject + be + still + the same. Example: "Her job is still the same."
• "still some" = a remaining amount. Pattern: there + be + still + some + noun, or subject + still + have + some + noun. Example: "There are still some cookies."
• If a noun follows "some" (some cake, some time), you probably need the quantifier pattern; if you mean unchanged, use "still the same."

Core explanation

"still the same"

Use this to describe identity, condition, or situation that remains unchanged. It refers to sameness, not quantity.

• Structure: [Subject] + be + still + the same. Example: "The layout is still the same after the renovation."
• Works with people, places, conditions, plans, and situations.

"still some"

Use this when some portion or number remains. It usually needs a supporting verb or clause to be grammatical.

• Common structures: "There are still some X," "I still have some X," "We still need some X."
• Example: "After the party, there are still some plates to wash."

Hyphenation and spacing

Neither phrase requires a hyphen. Keep them spaced as separate words: "still the same" and "still some." Confusion often comes from typing quickly or hearing phrases aloud and guessing the written form.

Grammar notes

• Verb agreement follows the noun after "some": "There are still some problems" (plural) vs. "There is still some water" (singular/uncountable).
• "Still some" on its own is often incomplete in formal writing-add context: "Still some?" can work in casual spoken repair but avoid it in reports or essays.

Try your own sentence

Wrong vs right examples you can copy

Pairs below show the common mixing of phrases and the quick fixes. Copy the right-hand sentence when editing.

• Wrong:
  Work: "After the rollout, we're still some bugs."
  Right:
  Work: "After the rollout, there are still some bugs."
• Wrong:
  School: "The syllabus is still some changes."
  Right:
  School: "There are still some changes to the syllabus."
• Wrong:
  Casual: "Is she still some friends with him?"
  Right:
  Casual: "Is she still friends with him?"
• Wrong:
  Work: "The schedule is still some updates away."
  Right:
  Work: "The schedule still needs some updates."
• Wrong:
  School: "After revising, my draft is still the same problems."
  Right:
  School: "After revising, my draft still has some problems." Or: "After revising, my draft has the same problems."
• Wrong:
  Casual: "We're still some time from leaving."
  Right:
  Casual: "We're still some time from leaving." (This example is correct for quantity; wrong version would be "We're still the same time from leaving," which is incorrect.)

How to fix your own sentence

Fix meaning, not just words. Decide whether you mean "unchanged" or "a remaining amount," then rewrite to match that intent.

• Step 1: Ask whether you mean "unchanged" (identity/condition) or "remaining amount" (quantity).
• Step 2: Use the correct construction: subject + be + still + the same OR there/is/are + still + some + noun / subject + still + have + some + noun.
• Step 3: Reread for flow and verb agreement.

• Rewrite:
  Original: "This plan is still some if everyone stays late."
  Rewrite: "This plan still works if everyone stays late." or "There are still some spots on the plan if everyone stays late."
• Rewrite:
  Original: "The assignment feels still the same now."
  Rewrite: "The assignment still feels the same now."
• Rewrite:
  Original: "After the meeting, we are still some issues."
  Rewrite: "After the meeting, there are still some issues." or "The issues are still the same after the meeting."

A simple memory trick

Link the phrase to meaning rather than sound. Picture "the same" as identity and "some" as a portion you can count or measure.

• If you can substitute "hasn't changed" and the sentence still makes sense, use "still the same."
• If you can insert a noun after "some" (some cookies, some time), you likely need the quantifier pattern "still some."
• Search your draft for "still" + "some/the same" and fix all occurrences in one pass.

Similar mistakes to watch for

Once spacing or form errors start, related slips often follow. Check nearby words for similar problems.

• Split words (e.g., "every day" vs "everyday")
• Hyphen confusion (e.g., "well known" vs "well-known")
• Verb-form confusion after "still" (e.g., "still is" vs "is still")
• Misplaced quantifiers (e.g., "still any" vs "any still")

FAQ

When should I use "still the same" instead of "still some"?

Use "still the same" for unchanged identity or condition. Use "still some" when part of a quantity remains and include a verb: "There are still some files."

Is "still some" ever correct on its own?

Alone it's usually incomplete in formal writing. In casual speech "Still some?" can be fine, but in writing add context: "There are still some left."

Can I say "still the same amount"?

Yes. Use "still the same amount" to say a quantity hasn't changed: "The budget is still the same amount as last year."

What's a fast proofreading test for this error?

Try two substitutions: replace with "hasn't changed"-if that reads well, use "still the same." Replace with "some + noun"-if that fits, use the quantifier structure ("There are still some X").

How do I fix mixed sentences like "After the meeting, we are still the same issues"?

Decide the intent. If you mean issues remain: "There are still some issues after the meeting." If you mean unchanged: "The issues are still the same as before the meeting."

Need a quick check?

Keep two go-to rewrites: "There are still some [noun]." and "[Subject] is still the same." They resolve most errors quickly when editing emails, reports, or messages.