come to a stop

USAGE SUMMARY

"come to a stop" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that something (such as movement, an action, or a process) has reached it's end. Example: The train came to a stop at the station.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Then they come to a stop.

The New Yorker

"It won't come to a stop overnight," she said.

The New York Times

Tourism, likewise has now all but come to a stop.

The New Yorker

But the emotions haven't come to a stop.

The New York Times - Arts

The boat had finally come to a stop".

The New York Times

Has evolution come to a stop, in a way?

The Guardian

Meanwhile, capital outflow has finally come to a stop.

The New York Times

In addition, the alarming flight of deposits from banks in Spain has come to a stop.

The New York Times

Fortunately, at Kentish Town, the train did come to a stop, and a man got on.

Independent

"Has this ever happened before?" I ask Joyce, who has come to a stop.

The New York Times

"It always has to come to a stop at some time, almost by definition.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "come to a stop" when describing the cessation of movement, whether it's physical movement or a process. Ensure the subject and context align with the intended meaning of stopping.

Common error

Avoid using the incorrect tense of the verb "come". Ensure the tense matches the context. For example, use "came to a stop" for past events, not "come to a stop" if the event already occurred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come to a stop" functions primarily as a phrasal verb indicating the cessation of movement or activity. As Ludwig AI states, it signifies that something has reached its end. Examples show its usage in describing both physical stops (vehicles, trains) and abstract stops (negotiations, processes).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "come to a stop" is a very common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe the cessation of movement or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that something has reached its end. The phrase is versatile, appearing in diverse contexts from news reports to scientific articles. While alternative phrases like "halt" or "reach a standstill" exist, "come to a stop" offers a clear and widely understood way to communicate the idea of stopping. Remembering to use the correct tense and avoiding the merge lane are key to effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come to a standstill

Similar to the original, but places greater emphasis on the final state.

halt

A more concise way to indicate stopping, often implying abruptness.

reach a standstill

Focuses on the state of being stopped.

draw to a standstill

Emphasizes the gradual nature of stopping.

arrive at a standstill

Similar to "reach a standstill", but emphasizes the act of arrival.

grind to a halt

Implies a forceful or difficult stop.

grind to a stop

Implies friction or difficulty in stopping

cease moving

A more formal and literal way to describe the end of movement.

be brought to a halt

Passive voice, emphasizing an external force causing the stop.

be halted

A concise and passive way to describe being stopped.

FAQs

How can I use "come to a stop" in a sentence?

You can use "come to a stop" to describe the end of movement or activity. For example, "The car "came to a stop" at the intersection" or "The negotiations "have come to a stop"".

What are some alternatives to "come to a stop"?

Alternatives include "halt", "draw to a standstill", or "reach a standstill". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it correct to say "came to a stop" or "come to a stop"?

The correct tense depends on the context. Use "came to a stop" for past events, and "come to a stop" for present or future scenarios, or when referring to a general ability. For example: "The car "came to a stop"" (past) vs. "Cars must "come to a stop" at red lights" (general).

What is the difference between "come to a stop" and "come to an end"?

"Come to a stop" typically refers to physical movement or activity ceasing, while "come to an end" usually indicates the termination of a process, event, or relationship. For instance, "The train "came to a stop" at the station", versus, "The project "came to an end" after six months".