as we stopped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as we stopped" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a moment or action that occurs simultaneously with the act of stopping, often in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "As we stopped to catch our breath, we noticed the beautiful scenery around us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

A melee broke out as soon as we stopped.

The New Yorker

"As soon as we stopped turning the ball over, this team started winning games," Sanchez said.

The New York Times - Sports

"As soon as we stopped — they were rushing the car," Ms. Deferrari said.

The New York Times

But as soon as we stopped filming I vowed never to do anything physical ever again".

The Guardian - Film

As we stopped at a red light, a lorry hissing behind us, something caught my eye.

The Guardian - Travel

"Langur monkeys," said the guide, as we stopped to watch the playful creatures scamper around the dusty ground.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

As soon as we stop fighting we have no chance.

The Guardian - Sport

"As long as we stop getting hurt, we'll be O.K.," Barber said.

The New York Times

As soon as we stop pulling audio in, it fades into the background.

MIT Technology Review

This is what it's all about," says Iain, as we stop for sun-downers.

The Guardian - Travel

But even as we stop, take a deep breath and savor this remarkable moment in our history, we cannot linger.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as we stopped" to describe an action or observation that occurred at the precise moment of halting. This helps create a vivid and immediate sense of time and place for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "as we stopped" when you actually mean "after we stopped". "As" implies simultaneity, while "after" indicates a sequence of events. For example, "As we stopped, the engine coughed" (simultaneous) versus "After we stopped, we checked the map" (sequential).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as we stopped" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by indicating when the action in the main clause occurred. Ludwig examples showcase its use in narratives to set the scene and provide temporal context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as we stopped" serves as an adverbial clause of time, indicating that something happened concurrently with the act of stopping. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts. The phrase helps to create vivid and immediate narratives, connecting events in time. When using "as we stopped", it's crucial to ensure you're conveying simultaneity, not a sequence of events, to avoid misinterpretation. Consider alternatives like "when we paused" or "while we halted" for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when we paused

Replaces "stopped" with "paused", suggesting a temporary cessation rather than a complete halt.

as we came to a standstill

Similar to "upon our standstill" but uses a more common phrasing.

while we halted

"Halted" is a more formal synonym for "stopped", indicating a sudden or abrupt cessation.

the second we were stationary

"Stationary" emphasizes the lack of movement, making the phrase more descriptive.

the moment we ceased moving

More descriptive, specifying the act of ceasing movement rather than simply stopping.

when our motion ended

Focuses on the termination of motion, providing a slightly different emphasis.

upon our standstill

"Standstill" is a noun indicating the state of not moving, making the phrase more formal.

the instant we discontinued

"Discontinued" suggests an intentional cessation, which may not always be the case with "stopped".

while we took a break

Implies a deliberate pause for rest or another purpose, adding a layer of intent.

as our journey paused

More metaphorical, suggesting a pause in a longer journey or process.

FAQs

How can I use "as we stopped" in a sentence?

Use "as we stopped" to describe something that happened at the same moment you ceased moving. For example, "As we stopped at the traffic light, a car drove up beside the prime minister."

What phrases are similar to "as we stopped"?

Similar phrases include "when we paused", "while we halted", or "as we came to a standstill".

Is it correct to say "as we stopped" or should I use another phrase?

Ludwig AI validates that "as we stopped" is correct. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. If you want to emphasize the immediate consequence of stopping, "as we stopped" is appropriate. If you want to talk of a time after stopping, consider "after we stopped".

What's the difference between "as we stopped" and "when we stopped"?

"As we stopped" emphasizes the simultaneity of the stopping action and the event that follows. "When we stopped" /s/when+we+stopped simply indicates that the event occurred at some point after stopping, but without necessarily being simultaneous.