be halted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be halted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something should stop or come to a standstill, often in a formal or passive construction. Example: "The project will be halted until further notice due to budget constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"So the timetables can certainly be halted".

The New York Times

Production could be halted for months.

The Economist

Such practices have to be halted immediately".

The Guardian

Even private development can be halted.

The New York Times

Production is to be halted at 187.

The Guardian

Should the launch of Windows 98 be halted?

The Economist

Other cross-border initiatives will also be halted, Yonhap added.

The Guardian

If various lawsuits prevail, work may still be halted.

The New York Times - Arts

It has ordered work at the site to be halted.

The New York Times

However, the advance of technology cannot be halted.

The Guardian - Arts

García kept waiting for play to be halted.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be halted" in formal writing, ensure the context clearly indicates whether the cessation is temporary or permanent. Using it with phrases like "until further notice" can clarify temporary suspensions.

Common error

Avoid using "halted" interchangeably with words like "delayed" or "paused" if a complete stop is not intended. "Halted" implies a full stop, while "delayed" or "paused" suggest a temporary interruption.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be halted" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that an action (halting) is being performed on the subject, rather than the subject performing the action. Ludwig provides examples that illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be halted" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive verb phrase that signifies the cessation of an activity or process. According to Ludwig, it commonly appears in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While "be halted" is mostly interchangeable with alternatives like "be stopped" or "be suspended", be mindful of the nuances each term offers, ensuring the selected phrase accurately reflects the intended meaning. Ludwig AI confirms that "be halted" is correct and usable in written English, particularly in contexts requiring a formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be stopped

This alternative is more direct and simple, often interchangeable with "be halted".

be suspended

This implies a temporary stop, whereas "be halted" can be permanent.

be ceased

This is a more formal and absolute way of saying something has stopped.

be terminated

Suggests a more definitive and often official ending.

be discontinued

Similar to "be ceased", but often used for products or services.

be brought to a standstill

More descriptive, emphasizing the complete cessation of movement or activity.

be put on hold

Indicates a temporary pause, with the expectation of resumption.

be brought to an end

Focuses on the conclusion or finish of something.

be shut down

Implies a forceful or complete closure, often of a system or operation.

be suppressed

Indicates that something is being forcibly stopped from continuing or being expressed.

FAQs

How can I use "be halted" in a sentence?

You can use "be halted" in sentences like, "The project will "be halted" due to unforeseen circumstances" or "Production had to "be halted" following the accident".

What are some alternatives to using "be halted"?

Alternatives to "be halted" include "be stopped", "be suspended", or "be ceased". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is halted" instead of "be halted"?

The phrase "is halted" is grammatically correct, but it describes something that is currently being stopped. "Be halted" is used in contexts where you're discussing a future or potential cessation. For example, "Production is halted" indicates it's currently stopped, while "Production will "be halted"" suggests it will stop in the future.

What's the difference between "be halted" and "be delayed"?

"Be halted" indicates a complete stop, whereas "be delayed" implies a postponement or temporary setback. A project that "will "be halted"" is expected to stop entirely, while one that "will "be delayed"" will simply start later than planned.