full stop

USAGE SUMMARY

"full stop" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate the end of a sentence and can be used in the place of a period. For example: "I had a great time last night! Full stop."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Full stop," he said.

The New York Times

"It's 'Manchester.' Full stop.

The New Yorker

"Period, full stop.

The New Yorker

Another full stop.

The New York Times

'Original.' Full stop.

The New Yorker

So, full stop.

The New York Times

We want freedom full stop.

Independent

'Modern.' Full stop," Johnson said.

The New Yorker

"Full stop — that mandates suppression".

The New York Times

"Full stop: end of story".

The New York Times

That's a full stop.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "full stop" to add emphasis and finality to a statement, particularly when you want to discourage further debate or questioning. This is most effective in speech or informal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "full stop" excessively in formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports. While it can add emphasis, it may come across as too informal or even aggressive. Opt for more nuanced language to convey finality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full stop" primarily functions as an interjection to emphasize the finality of a statement. Ludwig AI confirms it's used to conclude a point, leaving no room for further discussion, as illustrated in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "full stop" is a common and grammatically sound expression primarily used to emphasize the finality of a statement. Ludwig AI confirms that it functions as an interjection to halt further discussion, most frequently in news and media contexts. While effective for adding emphasis, it's advisable to use it judiciously in formal writing to avoid sounding overly abrupt. Consider alternatives like "end of discussion" or "that's final" for a more nuanced approach. The sources provided are authoritative, ensuring reliable usage insights. In essence, "full stop" is a powerful tool for asserting a conclusive point.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

period

A direct synonym, often used interchangeably with "full stop", especially in American English.

end of discussion

Emphasizes the unwillingness to continue a conversation on a particular topic.

that's final

Conveys a sense of resolution and decisiveness, leaving no room for further argument.

no further questions

Indicates that a topic is concluded and no additional inquiries are welcome.

case closed

Suggests that a matter has been definitively resolved, often with an implication of investigation or deliberation.

and that's that

Expresses a sense of finality and acceptance of a situation, often implying resignation.

the end

A straightforward declaration of conclusion, frequently used in storytelling.

point blank

Highlights directness and lack of ambiguity in a statement, similar to emphasizing a point with "full stop".

unequivocally

Emphasizes the lack of ambiguity or doubt in a statement.

definitively

Indicates a conclusive and authoritative statement, much like using "full stop" for emphasis.

FAQs

How can I use "full stop" in a sentence for emphasis?

You can use "full stop" at the end of a sentence to indicate that the statement is final and not open for debate. For example, "We need to reduce expenses, "full stop"."

What's a less abrupt way to say "full stop"?

Consider using phrases like "end of discussion", "that's final", or "case closed" if you want to convey finality without sounding too forceful.

Is "full stop" appropriate in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "full stop" is generally more suited to informal or spoken contexts. In formal writing, it may be perceived as too blunt. Consider alternative phrasing to maintain a professional tone.

What is the American English equivalent of "full stop"?

The American English equivalent of "full stop" when used for emphasis is often simply "period". Both are used to signal the end of a discussion or to emphasize a point.