I ceased

USAGE SUMMARY

'I ceased' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a verb phrase that means to stop doing something or to come to an end. Example sentence: After years of trying to make a successful business, I ceased and decided to find another job.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The duration of leflunomide was defined when the patient had either i) ceased leflunomide due to side effects or ii) was continuing treatment (for example, 12 months after initiation of leflunomide) and/or if another DMARD had been added.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

"I ceased to exist as a poet".

The New York Times

In fact I ceased trying to understand my people long ago.

The New York Times

In Healing Plants and the People Who Use Them, I ceased to be a walking résumé.

Cornell University

271, which ends the second volume in folio". Began with Vol. I; ceased with Vol. II.

Yale University

"But I ceased to enjoy it at the rate of about 3% a year.

The Guardian - Books

In doing so I became vulnerable to others, and that's when I ceased to be invisible.

The Guardian - Books

DAN MCGINN: The thing I ceased on is the same thing you did Allison.

Harvard Business Review

From the day I was arrested, I ceased to be anonymous.

The New York Times - Magazine

Gradually, I ceased talking much at all when we were out together".

The New Yorker

I saw her large eyes and suddenly I ceased to dream.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I ceased", ensure the context clearly indicates what action or state has come to an end. For clarity, immediately follow the phrase with the specific activity or condition that ended.

Common error

Avoid using "I cease" when you mean to express that something already stopped in the past. "I ceased" is the correct past tense form. "I cease" indicates a present or future action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I ceased" functions as the main clause of a sentence, expressing the speaker's action of stopping something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, as evidenced by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I ceased" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate the termination of an action or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and correct. Its neutral register allows for versatile application across various contexts, from formal reports to casual narratives. While alternatives like "I stopped" or "I discontinued" exist, "I ceased" provides a distinct nuance that emphasizes a complete or formal ending. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the context clearly specifies what has ended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I stopped

This alternative is a direct and simple way to express the termination of an action.

I discontinued

This alternative implies a more formal or planned termination.

I ended

This alternative is a general way to express the conclusion of something.

I gave up

This alternative indicates a yielding or surrender, often after a struggle.

I quit

This alternative is an informal way to express the termination of an action or habit.

I abandoned

This alternative implies leaving something behind, often unfinished.

I terminated

This alternative is a formal way to indicate the end of something, often used in professional contexts.

I desisted from

This alternative is a more formal and less common way to say "I stopped".

I refrained from

This alternative suggests a deliberate avoidance of doing something.

I suspended

This alternative indicates a temporary cessation.

FAQs

How can I use "I ceased" in a sentence?

You can use "I ceased" to indicate the termination of an action or state. For example, "After the argument, "I ceased" all communication with him".

What can I say instead of "I ceased"?

You can use alternatives like "I stopped", "I discontinued", or "I gave up" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I ceased" or "I cease"?

"I ceased" is the past tense and should be used to describe actions that have already stopped. "I cease" is present tense and is used less frequently, typically to indicate stopping an action at the present moment or as a declaration.

What's the difference between "I ceased" and "I stopped"?

While both indicate the end of an action, "I ceased" often implies a more formal or complete termination, while "I stopped" is a more general term. The choice depends on the desired nuance.