I stopped working

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I stopped working" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that you have ceased your work or employment, either temporarily or permanently. Example: "After years of dedication, I finally stopped working to focus on my health and family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I stopped working for a month.

The New York Times - Arts

"I stopped working in 1993," she said.

The New York Times

So I stopped working in TV, I was devastated.

The Guardian - Film

I stopped working so much at night as a result of this increase.

Harvard Business Review

And I stopped working in 1996, when I found out I had a brain tumour.

The Guardian

Around the time I stopped working, I began volunteering at Children's Hospital in Oakland.

The New York Times

When I stopped working on it, I was like, 'I have to stop dreaming about this'".

The Guardian - Film

"When I stopped working in '93, we were working on I.B.M. 386's," she said.

The New York Times

"After I stopped working for the company, that's what I've done.

The New York Times

"I always thought that if I stopped working altogether, I'd have time to play more," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

When I'm fifteen, I stop working with Lisa.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I stopped working", clarify the reason for stopping if relevant to your communication. For example, specify if it's due to retirement, health issues, or a career change.

Common error

Be clear whether "I stopped working" refers to a temporary break, a career change, or permanent retirement. Adding context prevents misunderstanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I stopped working" functions as an independent clause, expressing a complete thought. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. It indicates the cessation of work or employment by the speaker. Examples provided by Ludwig show various contexts in which the phrase is used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I stopped working" is a grammatically correct and very common way to express the cessation of employment or a specific task. As Ludwig AI confirms, its straightforward nature makes it appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. While the phrase is broadly understood, clarifying the reason or duration of stopping work can prevent ambiguity. It is frequently found in news and media, reflecting its common usage in describing personal and professional changes. Consider related phrases like "I retired" or "I quit my job" to vary your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I ceased employment

A more formal way of saying "I stopped working", indicating the termination of employment.

I am no longer employed

A factual statement indicating a lack of current employment.

I quit my job

A more direct and informal way of saying "I stopped working".

I retired from my job

Implies stopping work permanently due to age or other reasons.

I withdrew from the workforce

Indicates leaving the job market.

I resigned from my post

A formal way to express leaving a job or position.

I stepped down from my role

Suggests leaving a leadership or managerial position.

I left my position

Indicates departure from a specific job or role.

I gave up my career

Implies a more permanent decision to stop working in a specific field.

I took a break from working

Suggests a temporary cessation of work.

FAQs

What are some alternative phrases for "I stopped working"?

You can use alternatives like "I retired", "I quit my job", or "I left my position" depending on the context.

How do I specify the reason when saying "I stopped working"?

You can add a phrase explaining the reason, such as "I stopped working due to health reasons" or "I stopped working to focus on my family."

Is "I stopped working" formal or informal?

The phrase "I stopped working" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "I ceased employment" may be preferred in professional settings.

What's the difference between "I stopped working" and "I'm not working"?

"I stopped working" implies a past action of ceasing employment, while "I'm not working" describes a current state of not being employed. The first implies a change, while the second is a statement of present circumstances.