and then stopped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "and then stopped" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a pause or cessation of an action that was previously ongoing. Example: "She was running through the park, and then stopped to catch her breath."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I wavered and then stopped.

The New York Times - Books

Rain fell abundantly and then stopped suddenly.

The New Yorker

The knocking grew fainter and then stopped.

The New York Times

He started to kiss me back, and then stopped.

The New York Times

The robot first spontaneously blew bubbles, and then stopped.

The New Yorker

Pomahac began to sort through nerves, and then stopped.

The New Yorker

How are you?" "Paul," she said, and then stopped.

The New Yorker

He moaned for a few seconds, and then stopped.

The New Yorker

The secretary of state turned to leave and then stopped.

The New Yorker

"He made, like, three throws, and then stopped".

The New York Times - Sports

I did a little more and then stopped.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "and then stopped" to clearly indicate the end of an action or state, creating a straightforward sequence of events in your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "and then stopped" repeatedly within a short passage; vary your sentence structure and vocabulary to maintain reader engagement. Use alternatives such as "ceased", "paused", or restructured sentences to avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "and then stopped" functions as a conjunction phrase connecting two sequential actions, indicating that one action occurred, and subsequently, another action ceased. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "and then stopped" is a grammatically sound and widely used conjunction phrase that effectively connects a sequence of events, highlighting the cessation of an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility. While generally appropriate, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider more precise alternatives in highly formal contexts. Its frequency across reputable news sources, scientific journals, and other domains underscores its reliability in both written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

and subsequently halted

Emphasizes the sequence of events with a more formal tone.

and thereafter ceased

Highlights the termination of an action with a sense of finality.

and then paused

Suggests a temporary cessation rather than a complete stop.

and then desisted

Implies a voluntary termination of an action, often after some initial effort.

and then broke off

Indicates an abrupt and often unexpected interruption.

and then discontinued

Focuses on the termination of a regular or ongoing process.

and then suspended

Suggests a temporary interruption with the possibility of resumption.

and then abandoned

Implies a complete and often reluctant cessation of an action or plan.

and then terminated

Indicates a formal or official end to something.

and then came to a standstill

Highlights the lack of motion or progress after a period of activity.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "and then stopped" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "and subsequently halted" or "and thereafter ceased".

What is the difference between "and then stopped" and "and then paused"?

"And then stopped" indicates a complete cessation, while "and then paused" suggests a temporary interruption with the possibility of resuming the action later.

Is it grammatically correct to use "and then stopped" at the beginning of a sentence?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "and then stopped" is stylistically unconventional. It's generally better to integrate it within the sentence for smoother flow.

Are there any contexts where "and then stopped" is not appropriate?

While generally versatile, "and then stopped" might sound too simplistic in highly technical or academic writing. Consider using more precise vocabulary to reflect the specific nature of the cessation.