cease speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'cease speaking' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to stop talking or discussing something. For example, "Please cease speaking and listen carefully to what I am saying".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

We will never cease speaking out against the disservice done to us.

The New York Times

"I take exception to this 'used to be,' " he said, before being interrupted by Judge Pauley, who sternly instructed him to sit down and cease speaking.

The New York Times

If I don't have a revised proposal by then, I will close the prime brokerage facility and cease speaking to any of your desks".

The New York Times

A Roman Catholic nun from Maryland, ordered by the Vatican last year to end a ministry to gay and lesbian Catholics, said yesterday that she would not comply with a new request by Vatican authorities that she cease speaking and writing about the case.

The New York Times

If you always override someone's suggestions or comments, over time they will find it futile and will cease speaking their mind.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

She said that long after he ceased speaking, he continues to understand what she says.

The New York Times - Health

After the Arab conquest of Egypt in the 7th century, the Copts ceased speaking Greek, and the language barrier added to the controversy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Duncan has expressed displeasure over the way his son Chris, a Cardinals outfielder who was traded to Boston earlier this summer, had been treated in the news media, and he ceased speaking to the St. Louis-area newspapers.

The New York Times - Sports

I recently saw Kyle Cease speak at Click Funnels Funnel Hacking Live event.

Huffington Post

It suggested that though couples may break up, and friends stop speaking, those relationships never really cease.

The New York Times

But on Monday an aide of Mr Sadr's called on the Mahdi Army across Iraq to cease fire, speaking on a Lebanese television station, al-Manar.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cease speaking" in formal contexts where a direct but polite command is needed. For instance, in legal settings or structured meetings.

Common error

Avoid using "cease speaking" in casual conversations; it can sound stilted or overly authoritative. Instead, opt for more natural alternatives like "stop talking" or "be quiet".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cease speaking" functions as an imperative verb phrase, typically used to issue a command or instruction to stop talking. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cease speaking" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. However, it carries a formal and authoritative tone, making it more suitable for structured or official settings rather than casual conversations. While examples are somewhat uncommon, its primary contexts include News & Media, encyclopedias and Wiki. When a less formal tone is desired, consider using alternative phrases like "stop talking" or "be quiet".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stop talking

This is a more common and informal way to say "cease speaking".

be quiet

A direct command to stop talking, often used in informal contexts.

fall silent

Emphasizes the action of becoming quiet, often after a period of speech.

discontinue talking

A more formal way to express the cessation of speech.

refrain from speaking

Suggests a conscious effort to avoid talking.

hold one's tongue

An idiomatic expression meaning to avoid speaking, often to prevent saying something inappropriate.

clam up

Informal expression for suddenly becoming silent, often due to shyness or fear.

become mute

Implies a more permanent or significant inability to speak.

end the conversation

Focuses on stopping the entire exchange of words, rather than just one person's speech.

silence oneself

Implies an act of deliberately making oneself quiet.

FAQs

How can I use "cease speaking" in a sentence?

You can use "cease speaking" as a formal way to ask someone to stop talking. For example, "The judge instructed the witness to cease speaking until further notice."

What's a less formal alternative to "cease speaking"?

Alternatives to "cease speaking" include "stop talking", "be quiet", or "hold your tongue", depending on the context.

Is "cease speaking" appropriate for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "cease speaking" is quite formal and not typically used in everyday conversation. Simpler phrases are usually preferred.

What is the difference between "cease speaking" and "stop speaking"?

"Cease speaking" is more formal and authoritative, whereas "stop speaking" is more neutral and commonly used. The choice depends on the desired tone and context.