a sudden halt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sudden halt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an abrupt stop or pause in an action or process. Example: "The car came to a sudden halt when the traffic light turned red."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Until it came to a sudden halt.

The New York Times

Then his plans ground to a sudden halt.

The Guardian - Money

G.M.'s Wankel program came to a sudden halt.

The New York Times

The correspondence ground to a sudden halt in 2007.

The Guardian

When a metro train came to a sudden halt, people panicked.

Independent

So the whole thing would screech to a sudden halt and serve it right.

Independent

As our jet taxied down the runway for takeoff, we came to a sudden halt.

The New York Times

Once, the train in which she was riding came to a sudden halt.

The New York Times

He carried it to a busy workstation and his kitchen came to a sudden halt.

The New York Times

The film is punctuated by mechanical sex scenes, and does not so much end as comes to a sudden halt.

The New York Times - Arts

Indeed, a sudden halt to such purchases, now priced into the bond market, could prove highly disruptive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sudden halt" to vividly describe situations where progress or motion abruptly stops, adding a sense of immediacy and unexpectedness.

Common error

While "a sudden halt" is acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "an abrupt cessation" or "an immediate termination" in academic or business writing to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sudden halt" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the event of something stopping abruptly. Ludwig examples showcase its use across varied contexts, confirming its noun-like role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sudden halt" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to describe an abrupt stop or cessation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage across contexts like News & Media and Encyclopedias. While it is considered neutral, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or business settings. Remember to use "a sudden halt" when you want to emphasize the unexpected and immediate nature of a stoppage, adding a vivid sense of disruption to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an abrupt stop

Focuses more on the stopping action itself, implying a complete cessation of movement or progress.

an immediate cessation

Emphasizes the immediacy and finality of the stopping, highlighting the termination of activity.

a precipitous termination

Suggests a more abrupt and potentially forceful end to something.

a swift conclusion

Implies a rapid end, often used in the context of discussions, events, or processes.

an unexpected termination

Highlights the surprise or lack of anticipation associated with the ending.

a dead stop

Implies a complete and unmoving halt, often used in physical contexts.

an instantaneous pause

Focuses on the sudden break or interruption, rather than a complete ending.

an unforeseen interruption

Highlights the interruption aspect, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the halt.

a screeching halt

Suggests a forceful and often noisy stop, frequently used in contexts involving vehicles.

an unpredicted cessation

Highlights the lack of anticipation or predictability in the ending.

FAQs

How can I use "a sudden halt" in a sentence?

You can use "a sudden halt" to describe an abrupt stop or pause in an action or process. For example, "The negotiations came to "a sudden halt" after the disagreement".

What's the difference between "a sudden halt" and "a sudden stop"?

While both indicate an abrupt cessation, "a sudden stop" often refers to physical movement, whereas "a sudden halt" can apply to processes, discussions, or other non-physical actions.

What can I say instead of "a sudden halt"?

You can use alternatives like "an abrupt stop", "an immediate cessation", or "a precipitous termination" depending on the specific context.

Is "a sudden halt" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a sudden halt" might be considered less formal. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "an abrupt cessation" or "an immediate termination".