ceased speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ceased speaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has stopped talking or has become silent. Example: "After a long discussion, she finally ceased speaking, leaving the room in silence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 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

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

The New York Times

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

Huffington Post

But he had ceased to speak, and could no longer move his own limbs.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ceased speaking" to denote a formal or deliberate end to a conversation or monologue. It's particularly effective in literary or journalistic contexts where a slightly elevated tone is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "ceased speaking" in everyday conversation. Opt for more natural alternatives like "stopped talking" or "fell silent" to maintain a conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ceased speaking" functions as a verb phrase indicating the termination of the act of speaking. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and can be seen in various contexts, such as news reports or literary texts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

35%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ceased speaking" is a grammatically correct phrase that denotes the end of a speaking action, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. While not overly common, it finds its place in more formal contexts, particularly within news reporting, encyclopedic entries, and literary works. Its use conveys a sense of finality, albeit with a slightly elevated tone. For more casual settings, alternatives like "stopped talking" or "fell silent" may be more fitting. Keep in mind that, as the examples provided by Ludwig show, "ceased speaking" is mostly used in written rather than oral contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stopped talking

Replaces "ceased" with "stopped", a more common and direct synonym, simplifying the phrase.

fell silent

Uses a different verb and adjective to describe the action of becoming quiet.

became mute

Indicates a state of being unable or unwilling to speak, implying a more permanent condition.

quit talking

Employs "quit" instead of "ceased", offering a more casual tone.

halted speech

Uses a more formal noun phrase to denote the cessation of speaking.

broke off the conversation

Focuses on the interruption of an exchange rather than just stopping to talk.

abruptly silenced

Highlights the sudden and unexpected nature of stopping speech.

shut their mouth

A more idiomatic and informal way of saying someone stopped talking, can be rude.

stopped uttering words

A more descriptive phrase emphasizing the cessation of word production.

lost their voice

Implies an inability to speak, whether physically or emotionally, rather than a choice.

FAQs

What does "ceased speaking" mean?

The phrase "ceased speaking" means to stop talking or to become silent. It suggests a formal or definitive end to a period of speaking.

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

You can use "ceased speaking" to describe someone who has stopped talking. For example, "After delivering his final remarks, the speaker "ceased speaking" and left the stage".

What are some alternatives to "ceased speaking"?

Alternatives to "ceased speaking" include "stopped talking", "fell silent", or "became mute". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "ceased speaking" formal or informal?

"Ceased speaking" is generally considered a more formal phrase. In casual conversations, "stopped talking" or "shut up" might be more appropriate, while "ceased speaking" is better suited for writing or more formal situations.