be stopped by a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be stopped by a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that someone or something is prevented from proceeding by a specific agent or obstacle. Example: "The project will be stopped by a lack of funding if we don't secure additional resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

President Medvedev wouldn't be stopped by a mere volcano.

The Economist

Trains following behind will be stopped by a red light.

The New York Times

Marchers cannot be stopped by a filibuster; legislation can.

The Guardian

That action could only be stopped by a majority of governments.

The New York Times

That they shouldn't be stopped by a transgression that was no different than other politicians?

The New York Times

She would sometimes have wild scenes that could only be stopped by a slap.

The New Yorker

A brake wheel on the shaft allowed the mill to be stopped by a rim brake.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ultimately, said Vigne, the cycle of killing can only be stopped by a change of mindset.

The Guardian

Such runs can only be stopped by a central bank that can restore the perception of safety.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Once you leave the stall, the alarm starts ringing – and can only be stopped by a push of the soap-dispensing button.

The Guardian - Tech

He can only be stopped by a counter narrative that does not insult reality and facts but is still a story that appeals to people.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be stopped by a", ensure the agent or cause doing the stopping is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "Progress will be stopped by a", specify "Progress will be stopped by a lack of funding".

Common error

While "be stopped by a" is grammatically correct, overuse of the passive voice can make writing sound weak or indirect. Consider rewriting the sentence in active voice for a more direct and impactful statement. For example, instead of "The project was stopped by a regulation", try "A regulation stopped the project".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "be stopped by a" is to form a passive construction, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of being stopped. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be stopped by a" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate that something is prevented from progressing due to an external cause. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a versatile phrase suitable for various contexts, especially in news and media. When employing this phrase, clarity is crucial; clearly identify the agent or cause doing the stopping to avoid ambiguity. While grammatically sound, be mindful of overusing passive voice, and consider active voice alternatives for a more direct tone. With an expert rating of 4.5/5, this phrase proves its reliability and usefulness in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be prevented by a

Emphasizes the action of preventing something from happening.

be hindered by a

Focuses on impediment rather than a complete stop.

be impeded by a

Similar to hindered, implying a slowdown or difficulty.

be blocked by a

Suggests a physical or metaphorical barrier is in place.

be held back by a

Implies restraint or being kept from progressing.

be obstructed by a

Highlights the act of creating an obstacle.

be checked by a

Indicates a pause or temporary halt in progress.

be thwarted by a

Emphasizes a deliberate attempt to prevent success.

be curtailed by a

Suggests a reduction or limitation imposed.

be suppressed by a

Implies forceful prevention or stifling.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "be stopped by a"?

You can use alternatives like "be hindered by a", "be prevented by a", or "be blocked by a" depending on the context.

How to use "be stopped by a" in a sentence?

The phrase "be stopped by a" is typically followed by the cause or agent that prevents an action or process. For example: "The car might be stopped by a red light".

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "be stopped by a"?

While the passive voice ("be stopped by a") is grammatically correct, using the active voice can often create a more direct and impactful sentence. For instance, instead of "The bill was stopped by a filibuster", you could say "A filibuster stopped the bill".

What does "be stopped by a" mean?

The phrase "be stopped by a" means to be prevented from continuing or progressing due to a particular reason, obstacle, or agent. It indicates that something is halted or impeded by an external force.