ceased to respond

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ceased to respond" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something has stopped replying or reacting, often in a context of communication or interaction. Example: "After several attempts to reach him, he finally ceased to respond to my messages."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

And when pressed on this, Cohlmia, after answering several other e-mailed questions, simply ceased to respond.

The New Yorker

These observations eliminate sensory adaptation as a possible cause of the animal's having ceased to respond to the stimulus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

My friends went to sleep, my family ceased to respond, and the nation around me felt stuck in a limbo of hope and sadness.

Huffington Post

The HL neurons, which were habituated, had ceased to respond to a particular incoming firing rate.

Plosone

Mortality was recorded when beetles ceased to respond to mechanical stimulation.

Evolutionary Applications

Late populations instead ceased to respond to selection except for FL1 (+13.02 degree days per generation) and ML2 (+2.65).

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Receptors in the nose, however, adapt quickly and cease to respond to a particular stimulus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Finally, at extremely high luminances, when the rods are "saturated" and ceasing to respond, the luminosity curve is, in effect, compounded of the responses of all three types of cone.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Medication-responsive patients may cease to respond over the long term if they cycle on and off the medications; with each episode, there is a ten-per-cent increase in the risk that the depression will become chronic.

The New Yorker

The magnitude of habituation within each neuron is proportional to its incoming spike rate, such that all neurons that previously responded to the HS cease to respond (Fig 7c; third row).

Plosone

Thus, for any plastic trait our analysis predicts that at some point in its ontogeny, development will become canalized and cease to respond to environmental cues that otherwise induce its acceleration.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ceased to respond" when you want to clearly indicate that a person, animal, or system has completely stopped reacting or communicating. It is suitable for formal writing, scientific reports, and news articles.

Common error

Avoid using "ceased to respond" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "stopped replying" or "didn't answer" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ceased to respond" functions as a verb phrase indicating the termination of a reaction or communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, often highlighting a point where interaction or responsiveness has ended. For instance, beetles "ceased to respond" to stimuli or cells "ceased to respond" to stimulus.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ceased to respond" accurately describes the end of a reaction or communication. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, particularly in science, news, and encyclopedic contexts. While grammatically sound, it's essential to consider the level of formality required, as simpler alternatives may be more suitable for casual situations. Common contexts include scientific studies detailing organisms' reactions and news reporting on communication breakdowns. Alternatives like "stopped responding" or "became unresponsive" offer less formal options. Overall, understanding its formality and context ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stopped replying

Focuses on the action of no longer providing a verbal or written answer.

became unresponsive

Emphasizes a lack of reaction to stimuli or communication.

quit reacting

Highlights the cessation of any form of response or behavior.

no longer answered

Specifically refers to the termination of providing answers to questions or inquiries.

discontinued communication

Indicates a complete halt in the exchange of information or messages.

broke off contact

Implies a deliberate ending of a relationship or exchange.

halted correspondence

More formal, referring to the termination of written communication.

fell silent

Suggests a complete lack of verbal response or communication.

refused to acknowledge

Indicates a deliberate decision not to recognize or respond.

gave no sign of recognition

Focuses on the absence of any indication of awareness or understanding.

FAQs

What does "ceased to respond" mean?

The phrase "ceased to respond" means that someone or something has stopped reacting or replying to a stimulus or communication. It indicates a complete halt in interaction.

When is it appropriate to use "ceased to respond"?

It's appropriate in formal writing, scientific reports, and news articles where a precise and somewhat formal tone is desired. It's less suitable for casual conversation.

What are some alternatives to "ceased to respond"?

Alternatives include "stopped responding", "became unresponsive", "quit reacting", or "no longer answered", depending on the specific context.

Is "ceased to respond" interchangeable with "refused to respond"?

Not always. "Ceased to respond" implies a stopping of response, which could be due to inability or unwillingness. "Refused to respond" implies a deliberate choice not to react or reply.