a comprehensive moratorium

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a comprehensive moratorium" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a complete or thorough suspension of an activity, policy, or practice. Example: "The government has announced a comprehensive moratorium on new drilling permits to address environmental concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The comprehensive moratorium -- it also halts new construction, home expansions, subdivision approvals, and variances for lot area or setbacks for new buildings in certain residential neighborhoods -- has drawn surprisingly little protest, Mr. Coschignano said.

The New York Times

"In my opinion, and that of the majority of the council, the only way to prevent this from happening here is for Congress to enact a comprehensive ban or moratorium on all human cloning".

The New York Times - Science

And a council committee unveiled a revamped proposal for a comprehensive ordinance to replace the moratorium.

Los Angeles Times

Kennedy backed his eloquent words with deeds--he announced a resumption of multilateral discussions towards a comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty and a moratorium on American atmospheric tests so long as no other nation performed any.

Huffington Post

Their friends rallied in their support in 2003, when they asked the Town Board for an exemption to the moratorium on most subdivisions while a comprehensive plan is developed.

The New York Times

Speaking to around 400 people in a community hall, Falconer challenged all three political parties to declare a moratorium on turbine construction until a comprehensive study is completed by the federal health ministry.

Vice

Wheaton and other residents have called for a moratorium on all new projects until a comprehensive traffic study can be completed.

Los Angeles Times

Over 135,000 people have petitioned Secretary Jewell calling for a moratorium on Powder River Basin coal leases and a comprehensive review of the federal coal leasing program.  .

Huffington Post

Sahli-Wells endorses legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Holly Mitchell (D-Culver City) that calls for a moratorium on fracking in California until a comprehensive six-year study can be undertaken.

Los Angeles Times

The moratorium was lifted in 1994 following a comprehensive report by three consultants engaged by the ADB.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Following a period of explosive growth, one of the fastest in the nation, in the late 1980s, the city government imposed a controversial moratorium on new housing and later developed a comprehensive plan to manage expansion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a comprehensive moratorium" when you want to emphasize a complete and thorough temporary halt to an activity. This term is stronger than a simple "pause" and implies a well-considered decision.

Common error

Avoid using "a comprehensive moratorium" when you only intend a partial or short-term suspension. Ensure the halt is indeed extensive and that it has a clear end date or review process; otherwise, opt for terms like "temporary suspension" or "partial restriction".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a comprehensive moratorium" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in contexts where a complete and thorough suspension of an activity is being discussed. It often introduces a formal or legal declaration.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a comprehensive moratorium" signifies a complete and thorough halt to an activity, indicating a deliberate decision for review or assessment. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically sound and is most commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While interchangeable with terms like ""total suspension"" or "complete cessation", it is crucial to reserve its use for situations where the suspension is genuinely extensive and well-defined. Avoid using it for partial or short-term pauses to prevent misinterpretation. The phrase often carries a formal tone and is best suited for professional or informed discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complete cessation

Emphasizes the termination aspect, replacing "moratorium" with a more direct synonym.

a total suspension

Focuses on the temporary halt, substituting "comprehensive" and "moratorium" with corresponding terms.

an extensive ban

Highlights the prohibitory nature, offering a stronger, more absolute term than "moratorium".

a wide-ranging halt

Indicates a broad scope of stoppage, using simpler vocabulary than the original phrase.

a thorough embargo

Suggests a complete prohibition, particularly in trade or commerce contexts.

a full-scale freeze

Implies a complete standstill, often used in financial or economic contexts.

a sweeping prohibition

Emphasizes the breadth of the ban, suitable for policies or regulations.

an across-the-board suspension

Highlights the universality of the suspension, affecting all aspects equally.

a blanket restriction

Indicates a general limitation applied without exceptions.

a global standstill

Suggests a worldwide cessation, typically used for activities on a large scale.

FAQs

How is "a comprehensive moratorium" different from a simple pause?

While a pause is a brief interruption, "a comprehensive moratorium" implies a complete and thorough halt to an activity, often for a significant period and with serious consideration.

When should I use "a comprehensive moratorium" instead of "ban"?

Use "a comprehensive moratorium" when the halt is intended to be temporary or subject to review. A "ban" typically suggests a permanent or indefinite prohibition.

What are some situations where "a comprehensive moratorium" might be implemented?

Examples include halting new construction projects to assess environmental impact, suspending debt payments during an economic crisis, or stopping nuclear testing to pursue disarmament treaties. See also "total suspension".

Is "a comprehensive moratorium" the same as a "partial moratorium"?

No, they are opposites. "A comprehensive moratorium" covers all aspects of an activity, while a "partial moratorium" only suspends certain parts or aspects of it.