been stopped up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been stopped up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where something is blocked or obstructed, often referring to pipes or nasal passages. Example: "After the heavy rain, the drainage system had been stopped up, causing flooding in the streets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A tenant pointed to a sink that had been stopped up for weeks.

The New York Times

However, as an important part of epidemiology, the studies on discrete-time epidemic models have never been stopped up to now.

Advances in Difference Equations

Why, he asks, does he find himself unable to compress further the air in a bellows which has been stopped up at one end?

SEP

His lawyer added that the teacher had faced "harassment" for years, and Stuart Lawrence told the Daily Mail newspaper that he had been stopped up to 25 times over several years.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Where've you been stopping?" "Up your arse".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Matt Epler's politically-charged Republican butt plugs have been stopping up the internet for the past few days.

Vice

— are stopped up with cigarettes.

The New Yorker

"The toilet would always be stopped up".

Independent

But it happened that my kitchen drainage was stopped up, and I was ill.

The New Yorker

A pump will break or the plumbing will be stopped up.

The Guardian - Music

I most likely viewed the Waffen S.S. as an élite unit that was sent into action whenever a breach in the front line had to be stopped up.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "been stopped up", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being blocked, such as a drain, pipe, or passage.

Common error

Avoid using "stopped up" in highly formal or professional writing where more technical or precise terms like "obstructed" or "blocked" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been stopped up" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something has experienced the action of being blocked. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in describing obstructed drains and passages.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "been stopped up" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating something is blocked or obstructed. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct. While relatively rare, with more frequent alternatives, it appears in both news and scientific contexts, typically in informal to neutral registers. Consider using more formal alternatives like "been blocked" or "been obstructed" in professional or academic writing. Remember to ensure the context clearly identifies what is being blocked.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

been blocked

Focuses on the action of being obstructed, omitting the 'stopped' aspect.

been clogged

Implies a gradual accumulation causing obstruction, rather than a sudden halt.

been obstructed

A more formal way of saying something is blocked, removing the colloquialism of "stopped up".

been plugged

Suggests something is forcibly closed or filled.

been sealed

Implies closure to prevent passage, often airtight.

been shut off

Emphasizes the termination of flow or access.

been occluded

A medical or technical term for blockage, particularly in vessels or passages.

been congested

Describes a state of being overly full and blocked, often used for traffic or airways.

been dammed

Used when a flow of water or liquid has been stopped by a barrier.

been choked

Suggests a restriction or blockage preventing breathing or flow.

FAQs

What does "been stopped up" mean?

The phrase "been stopped up" means that something has been blocked or obstructed, preventing flow or passage.

What can I say instead of "been stopped up"?

You can use alternatives like "been blocked", "been clogged", or "been obstructed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "been stopped up" or "been blocked"?

Both "been stopped up" and "been blocked" are correct, but "been stopped up" is more informal. The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

How to use "been stopped up" in a sentence?

You can use "been stopped up" to describe a blocked drain: "The kitchen sink had been stopped up for days".