an abrupt stop

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Rather than an abrupt stop.

The Guardian

Our vehicle comes to an abrupt stop.

The Guardian - Travel

Of course, the music did come to an abrupt stop soon.

The New York Times - Books

The bus came to an abrupt stop and we were there.

The New York Times

This song opens with a keyboard phrase from Jools Holland that comes to an abrupt stop.

The Guardian - Music

One modest stand brought us to an abrupt stop with a sign for Holy Schmitt's fresh horseradish mustard, a bracing condiment that has become a household favorite.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

It just came to a very abrupt stop and there was the bang.

Independent

At intermediate glucose levels cells show a transition between gradual slowing and abrupt stop of growth.

BMC Systems Biology

So the trajectory of China's growth — a gradual deceleration or an abrupt full stop — matters far beyond its borders.

The New York Times

A1 Engineer Saw Trouble Ahead Federal safety officials said the engineer of a 40-car Amtrak train that derailed in North Florida on Thursday had tried to bring the train to an abrupt emergency stop after seeing a "misalignment" in the tracks.

The New York Times

The abrupt stop is accompanied by a pulse-like up regulation of the expression of genes in the relevant nutrient assimilation pathways.

BMC Systems Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an abrupt stop" to clearly convey a sudden and unexpected cessation of movement or activity. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While acceptable, "an abrupt stop" might sound less sophisticated in very formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "precipitous termination" or "immediate cessation" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an abrupt stop" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing sudden cessations of movement or activity. The phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

28%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an abrupt stop" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a sudden cessation of movement or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. It appears frequently in news media and scientific contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various audiences. While versatile, consider more formal alternatives like "immediate cessation" in professional settings. When employing this phrase, ensure it clearly conveys the sudden and unexpected nature of the halt you're describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sudden halt

This alternative replaces "stop" with "halt", emphasizing the suddenness of the cessation.

an instantaneous halt

This option uses "instantaneous" to highlight the lack of delay in the stop.

an immediate cessation

This phrase substitutes "abrupt" with "immediate" and "stop" with "cessation", making it slightly more formal.

an unexpected halt

This phrase highlights the unanticipated nature of the cessation.

a quick standstill

This alternative emphasizes the swiftness and lack of movement following the stop.

a sharp termination

Using "sharp" conveys the suddenness and decisiveness of the stop.

a precipitous termination

This option uses more formal vocabulary, replacing "abrupt" with "precipitous" and "stop" with "termination".

a dead stop

This is a more informal way of saying a complete and sudden stop.

a screeching halt

This alternative emphasizes the sound and suddenness of the stop, often associated with vehicles.

a surprising cessation

This alternative adds an element of unexpectedness to the stop.

FAQs

What does "an abrupt stop" mean?

The phrase "an abrupt stop" refers to a sudden and unexpected cessation of movement or action. It implies that something came to a halt quickly and without warning.

How to use "an abrupt stop" in a sentence?

You can use "an abrupt stop" to describe various situations, such as: "The car came to "an abrupt stop" when the driver slammed on the brakes" or "The negotiations came to "an abrupt stop" due to disagreements".

What can I say instead of "an abrupt stop"?

You can use alternatives like "a sudden halt", "an immediate cessation", or "a quick standstill" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "an abrupt stop"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English.