bring to a complete stop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bring to a complete stop" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something or someone has been halted entirely. Example: "The driver had to bring the vehicle to a complete stop at the red light."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

This gentleman was clearheaded enough to maintain control of the car, dial 911 and have a coherent conversation, as well as follow instructions from a highway patrol officer until the Prius was brought to a complete stop.

The New York Times

For example, no formalin or alcohol (perhaps due to a leaking bottle top), or no spare flashlight bulbs, can bring research to a complete stop.

The New York Times

It will in some instances bring you to a complete stop.

TechCrunch

On the day, he found himself grappling with a 1916 custard-coloured Hispano-Suiza, complete with double declutch, which he was required to bring to a dead stop - inch perfect - in front of the camera.

The Guardian

Budget shortfalls have slowed some training missions and brought others to a complete stop, as when the U.S.S.

The New York Times

At 12 46, a torpedo hit directly in her engine room, killing the entire engineering room crew and bringing her to a complete stop.

Wikipedia

And you don't get awarded any points unless you bring the bull to a complete stop".

The New York Times - Magazine

Stop & Go Adaptive Cruise Control is an extension of Adaptive Cruise Control, as it is able to bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

Applied Ergonomics

Some systems are designed to bring the car to a complete stop when a possible collision is detected.

TechCrunch

Some systems in high-end cars can bring the vehicle to a complete stop if traffic comes to a standstill, and a few can even operate in stop-and-go-driving.

Forbes

While most systems usually operate only at highway speeds, some can bring the vehicle to a complete stop if traffic comes to a standstill, and some can even operate in stop-and-go-driving. Blind spot warning.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bring to a complete stop" when you want to emphasize the action of completely halting something, ensuring there is no residual motion or activity. This is particularly useful when discussing processes, vehicles, or abstract concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "bring to a complete stop" in contexts where a simpler word like "stop" suffices. The phrase is more impactful when the completeness of the stop is crucial to the meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bring to a complete stop" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the action of causing something to cease moving or operating entirely. It emphasizes the thoroughness of the action.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bring to a complete stop" is a verb phrase indicating the action of fully halting something. While Ludwig does not provide direct examples of its usage, its grammatical correctness is confirmed. As a result, it functions to emphasize the finality and completeness of the act of stopping something. While alternatives such as "halt completely" and "stop entirely" exist, "bring to a complete stop" is particularly useful when you need to emphasize that there is absolutely no residual motion or activity after the action. Using simpler terms might be preferable in less formal context, and be cautious about redundancy. While its usage is technically correct, its infrequency suggests considering clearer and more widely used alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

halt completely

Emphasizes the action of stopping entirely, without additional elements.

stop entirely

A more straightforward way of saying something is brought to a stop, lacking nuance.

come to a standstill

Focuses on the final state of being stopped, rather than the action of stopping.

bring to a standstill

Similar to the original phrase, but replaces "complete stop" with "standstill".

put a stop to

Implies an active intervention to end something, adding an element of agency.

terminate entirely

A more formal way of expressing a complete end or cessation.

bring to a dead stop

Adds emphasis to the abruptness and finality of the stop.

grind to a halt

Suggests a gradual slowing down before the complete stop.

cease entirely

Indicates stopping completely and definitively, often used in formal contexts.

completely cease

Inverts the order of words for slight emphasis and nuance.

FAQs

How can I use "bring to a complete stop" in a sentence?

You can use "bring to a complete stop" to describe the action of halting something entirely, such as "The new regulations will "put an end to" the illegal logging activities" or "The driver had to "stop abruptly" to avoid an accident."

What are some alternatives to "bring to a complete stop"?

Alternatives include "halt completely", "stop entirely", "come to a standstill", and "bring to a standstill", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "bring to a complete stop"?

While "stop" inherently implies a cessation of movement, "bring to a complete stop" emphasizes the thoroughness and finality of the action. It's not necessarily redundant if you want to underscore the completeness of the halt.

What's the difference between "bring to a complete stop" and "slow down"?

"Bring to a complete stop" means to halt entirely, while "slow down" means to reduce speed. The former implies cessation, while the latter implies a reduction in pace but not necessarily a halt.