ask you to stop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask you to stop" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when requesting someone to cease an action or behavior. Example: "I need to ask you to stop making that noise while I'm trying to concentrate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

"May I ask you to stop insulting me," he complained.

The Guardian

I would ask you to stop touching my bottom.

The New Yorker

"Well, how about if I just ask you to stop, then?" "I don't know.

The New Yorker

"I strongly refute this claim and would politely ask you to stop scaremongering in this way.

The Guardian

Before I go on, if you are a culprit of that, I'd ask you to stop.

The Guardian

But he doesn't ask you to stop filming; he asks her photographer to move back.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Stenographer: I asked you to stop that.

The New York Times

But a protester responded, "We're asking you to stop stopping and frisking people".

The New York Times

Call her anything you like, until she asks you to stop.

The New York Times

"In Africa, for example, if a police officer asks you to stop, you run away," he said, because to stop when accused is considered a sign of guilt.

The New York Times

When a Brown official asked the group to hold their outbursts until the question period after the speech, one person bellowed, "We're asking you to stop stopping and frisking people".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and context when using "ask you to stop". In formal settings, a more polite alternative like "request you to cease" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Relying too heavily on "ask you to stop" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "request", "urge", or "demand" depending on the level of formality and urgency you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask you to stop" functions primarily as a request or directive. Ludwig shows numerous instances where it's used to implore someone to cease an action, ranging from polite suggestions to firm commands. It serves to communicate a desire for a behavior to end.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

26%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ask you to stop" is a common and versatile phrase used to request the cessation of an action. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the tone and context to ensure appropriateness. For formal settings, alternatives like "request you to cease" may be more suitable. Remember to be clear and specific when using this phrase to avoid misunderstandings. Also, vary your language to prevent repetitiveness. With its widespread use and clear communicative purpose, "ask you to stop" remains a valuable phrase in everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request you to cease

More formal and direct, suitable for professional settings.

require you to discontinue

Formal and often used in official or legal contexts.

urge you to halt

Emphasizes a sense of urgency or importance in stopping the action.

I must insist you stop

Emphasizes the speaker's firmness in their request.

demand that you stop

Conveys a stronger, more authoritative command.

would you mind stopping

A more courteous and less assertive way to ask someone to stop.

could you please refrain from

Polite and indirect, suitable for avoiding confrontation.

I need you to quit

Direct and straightforward, often used in personal or informal contexts when the action is annoying.

desist from doing that

Formal and somewhat archaic, implying a cessation of activity.

knock it off

Informal and colloquial, used to tell someone to stop doing something annoying.

FAQs

What are some polite ways to "ask you to stop"?

You can use phrases like "would you mind stopping", "could you please refrain from", or "I would appreciate it if you stopped" to be more courteous.

When is it appropriate to use "ask you to stop" in formal writing?

In formal settings, it may be better to use a more direct or polite phrase, such as "request you to cease" or "I must insist you stop" depending on the gravity of the situation.

Are there alternatives to "ask you to stop" for informal situations?

Yes, in informal contexts, you can use phrases like "knock it off" or "I need you to quit" if you want to be more direct and less formal.

How does "ask you to stop" differ from "demand that you stop"?

"Ask you to stop" is generally a request, while "demand that you stop" implies a stronger, more authoritative command. The choice depends on your relationship with the person and the seriousness of the situation.