cease to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cease to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe stopping an action or activity. For example: "We must cease to gather supplies until we have found a secure location for storage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Republican Party would cease to exist.

The New Yorker

Inevitable wonders eventually cease to be wondrous.

The New Yorker

"And Pakistan would cease to exist".

The New Yorker

They never cease to appall me.

The New Yorker

We cease to question it.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The whole system will cease to function.

The New York Times

And markets, in effect, cease to function.

The New York Times

Prisoners do not cease to be people.

The New York Times

The Beatles never cease to fascinate me.

The Guardian - Music

Computers neither flourish, nor cease to flourish.

The Guardian - Opinion

Time itself would cease to exist.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cease to" when a formal or definitive tone is desired, particularly when discussing abstract concepts or official matters. For example, "The committee will cease to operate after the fiscal year ends."

Common error

Avoid using "cease to" in casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "stop" or "end" are often more appropriate in informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cease to" functions as a verb phrase, typically followed by another verb in its base form. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. It signifies the termination or cessation of an action or state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cease to" is a versatile and grammatically correct verb phrase used to indicate the termination of an action or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used and appropriate for formal contexts. While simpler alternatives exist, "cease to" adds a degree of formality and emphasis, making it suitable for official documents, news reports, and academic writing. Its frequent appearance in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and correct usage. When in doubt, consider the tone and audience to determine if the formality of "cease to" is warranted, or if a simpler alternative would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stop

This alternative is simpler and more direct, lacking the formality of "cease to".

discontinue

This alternative suggests a more formal and planned termination of something.

halt

This alternative implies a sudden or abrupt stop.

terminate

This alternative suggests a formal and definitive end, often used in official contexts.

come to an end

This alternative is a more descriptive way of saying something stops existing or happening.

draw to a close

This alternative suggests a gradual ending, often used for events or periods of time.

bring to a halt

This alternative means to stop something suddenly.

refrain from

This alternative means to abstain from doing something.

desist from

This alternative is a formal way of saying to stop doing something, often used in legal contexts.

leave off

This alternative means to stop doing something temporarily.

FAQs

What does "cease to" mean?

The phrase "cease to" means to stop doing something or to no longer exist. It's a more formal way of saying "stop" or "end".

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

You can use "cease to" to indicate the termination of an action, state, or condition. For example, "The fighting must "stop" immediately" can be rephrased as "The fighting must "cease to" immediately".

What are some alternatives to "cease to"?

Alternatives to "cease to" include "stop", "end", "discontinue", "terminate", or "halt". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "cease to" instead of "stop"?

"Cease to" is more appropriate in formal writing or when emphasizing the finality of the action. "Stop" is generally suitable for everyday conversation. For example, "The organization will "cease to" operate" suggests a more formal conclusion than "The organization will "stop" operating".