can you please stop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Can you please stop" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are politely requesting someone to cease doing something. For example, "Can you please stop playing music so loudly - it's disturbing my focus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"Well, can you please stop saying it?" "I will when you get a physical".

The New Yorker

"Can you please stop arguing in your TED Talk voice!" May 3, 2016.

The New Yorker

"My fiancée had to keep saying, 'Can you please stop?' " T's latest magazine explores some of the most unique travel destinations around the world.

The New York Times

I'm sure you are a nice person and mean well, but can you please stop following me?" "Hey, you speak English?

The Guardian

"She's writing down 'Watch your fingering,' and 'Work on your tone.' I wanted to say, 'Can you please stop that.' " The song begins with a simple, almost exercise-like figure.

The New Yorker

In one episode, at the end of a bad date with a woman who says things like "Can you please stop smiling the exact same way every time I look at you?," C.K. and the woman sit on a bench by the river, and you think of Woody Allen's black-and-white movies.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Can you people please stop comparing the iFones to every new phone that comes out?

TechCrunch

"Can you please just stop shouting?" Carol begged (stoned), speaking for us all.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If you have Yelp, you can— Please stop heckling me, sir. I don't come to where you work and heckle you.

The New Yorker

"My family wants to say: Can you all please, please stop the violence?" she said.

Los Angeles Times

"My family wants to say, can you all please, please stop the violence?" Gray said.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can you please stop", ensure the context warrants politeness. Overuse can diminish its impact, so reserve it for situations where a gentle request is more appropriate than a direct command.

Common error

Avoid using "can you please stop" sarcastically, as it can confuse your intention. Sarcasm often relies on tone, which is absent in writing. If sarcasm is intended, use clear contextual cues to signal your true meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can you please stop" functions as a polite imperative. It's used to request that someone cease a particular action or behavior. As seen in Ludwig, it is a common and grammatically correct way to express this request.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

9%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can you please stop" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for politely requesting someone to cease an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. It's particularly common in news and media, reflecting its general applicability. When employing this phrase, consider the tone and context to ensure it aligns with your intended message. While generally neutral, overuse can diminish its impact, and sarcastic use may confuse the message. Alternatives such as "could you refrain from that" or a direct "please stop doing that" may be more appropriate in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Please stop doing that

Adds specificity by referring to a particular action.

Stop it, please

Reverses the order, making it slightly more direct.

I'd appreciate it if you stopped

Expresses the request as a matter of personal preference.

I'm asking you to stop

Emphasizes that a request is being made.

Could you refrain from that

Uses more formal language to ask someone to stop.

Would you mind stopping

Asks if stopping would be an inconvenience, a polite approach.

Please discontinue that action

A very polite and somewhat formal way of asking someone to stop.

I must ask you to stop

Adds a sense of obligation or necessity to the request.

Kindly cease that behavior

Uses "kindly" to add politeness to a direct command.

Can you halt that

Uses "halt" for a more formal or forceful tone.

FAQs

How do I politely ask someone to stop?

You can use phrases like "could you refrain from that", "would you mind stopping", or the more direct "please stop doing that" depending on the situation.

What's a more formal way to ask someone to stop?

For formal situations, consider using "please discontinue that action" or "I must ask you to stop". These phrases convey politeness and respect.

Is "can you please stop" always appropriate?

While "can you please stop" is generally polite, it may not be suitable in situations requiring immediate action. In urgent cases, a more direct command like "stop!" might be necessary.

What are some alternatives to "can you please stop" that aren't as direct?

If you want to be less direct, you could say "I'd appreciate it if you stopped" or "would you mind stopping". These options are softer and imply a request rather than a demand.