a stop sign

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stop sign" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the traffic control device that instructs drivers to come to a complete stop at an intersection. Example: "The driver failed to notice a stop sign and ran the red light, causing an accident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Maybe a stop sign?

The New Yorker

"What's a stop sign?" he asked.

The New York Times

Instead, there was a stop sign.

The New York Times

Running a stop sign on his bike.

The New York Times

"It's like coming to a stop sign".

The New York Times

A stop sign was obscured by foliage, he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Of course I'm going to stop at a stop sign".

The New York Times

She ran a stop sign and then another.

The New Yorker

New chips on the block Was that a stop sign?

The Economist

She could find a solecism in a Stop sign.

The New Yorker

"A stop sign costs $250," said Mrs. Barkley.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Remember that "a stop sign" always requires a complete stop. Use precise language to describe scenarios like rolling stops, where the driver does not fully stop.

Common error

Avoid using "a stop sign" metaphorically in contexts where a more nuanced term like "pause", "delay", or "impediment" would be more appropriate. Overusing the metaphor can make your writing seem simplistic.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a stop sign" is as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely used. Examples include, "He ran a stop sign" or "There was a stop sign ahead."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a stop sign" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to denote a traffic control device requiring vehicles to come to a complete stop. Usage is primarily found in neutral contexts such as News & Media, but also in Wiki and Science publications. While the phrase is often used literally, it can also be employed metaphorically to represent a halt or pause. When writing, be aware that while the phrase is commonly used, it is also crucial to consider if the meaning you want to convey requires a more nuanced word choice for higher clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a halt sign

This alternative replaces "stop" with "halt", maintaining the core meaning of ceasing movement.

a stop signal

Replaces "sign" with "signal", focusing on the communicative aspect of the sign.

a traffic stop sign

Adds the adjective "traffic" to specify the context, clarifying it is a road sign.

road stop sign

Similar to "traffic stop sign", specifies the road usage of the sign.

a stop command

Shifts the focus to the imperative nature of the sign.

a stop mechanism

Focuses on the function of stopping something.

a halt signal

Combines "halt" and "signal" for a more formal tone.

regulatory stop sign

Highlights the regulatory function.

octagonal stop sign

Describes the shape of the sign, adding a descriptive element.

red stop sign

Describes the color of the sign, providing a visual identifier.

FAQs

How can I use "a stop sign" in a sentence?

You can use "a stop sign" to describe a traffic control device that requires vehicles to come to a complete stop. For example, "The driver failed to yield at "a stop sign" and caused an accident."

What can I say instead of "a stop sign"?

Alternatives include "a halt sign", "a stop signal", or "a traffic stop sign", depending on the context.

Is it acceptable to use "a stop sign" metaphorically?

Yes, "a stop sign" can be used metaphorically to represent something that causes a complete halt or pause. For example, "The budget cuts were "a stop sign" for the project's progress."

What is the legal obligation at "a stop sign"?

The legal obligation at "a stop sign" is to bring your vehicle to a complete stop before the white line (if present) and to yield to pedestrians and cross-traffic before proceeding.