halt a conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "halt a conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate stopping or interrupting a discussion or dialogue. Example: "During the meeting, she decided to halt the conversation to address the ongoing misunderstandings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nothing can halt a great conversation in Japanese faster than someone yelling in French.

TechCrunch

Writing for Fuse, Hilary Hughes concluded that the rendition of the song was "enough to halt all conversation, silence all phones and pause the internet for a moment, as she got real right off the bat".

Wikipedia

The Audi TT halted all conversation at a trendy sidewalk cafe downtown.

The New York Times

During my first shift, I witnessed a halting conversation between a counsellor and a young girl with body dysmorphia.

The New Yorker

It all barrels to a gasp-worthy conclusion, and then, after the action comes to a halt, we're pounded with a conversation designed to exact the moral proclamation we'd already surmised.

Huffington Post

You can rail at your "senior moment" like those tiresome people who bring a conversation to a halt because they can't remember the name of a place or person.

The New York Times - Books

She and Keyuk engaged in a halting conversation about food, farming, and family heritage.

The New Yorker

I turned to Madiba and said: 'You don't have to answer that, Khulu (grandfather).'" She goes on to describe a halting conversation between Mandela and Clarkson and fellow Top Gear presenter James May.

The Guardian

These questions can bring a conversation to a screeching halt.

WikiHow

But as they reel off their favorites I'm a little surprised, though I shouldn't be, when my son throws in a conversation he had in halting Greek with a woman at work in Bakery Zouridakis.

The Washington Post

"At least I didn't say twilight," replied Dhondy, in the cheerful spirit that he managed to maintain throughout as he tenderly coaxed memories from Naipaul and expanded his answers, so that we could pretend that a conversation, rather than a halting onstage Q&A, was taking place.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "halt a conversation" when you want to emphasize a sudden or forceful stop to the discussion. It's suitable for situations where the interruption is noticeable or significant.

Common error

Avoid using "halt a conversation" in casual settings where 'stop' or 'interrupt' would sound more natural. "Halt" can come across as overly formal or dramatic in everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "halt a conversation" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating the action of stopping or interrupting a discussion. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples show it used in news articles and personal narratives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "halt a conversation" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes the act of stopping a discussion. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, though its slightly formal tone makes it more appropriate for certain situations over others. While alternatives like "stop a conversation" or "interrupt a conversation" exist, "halt a conversation" emphasizes a more abrupt or deliberate cessation. Consider the context and desired level of formality when choosing the most suitable phrase. The most frequent sources using this phrase include news media and wiki articles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stop a conversation

Direct synonym, using 'stop' instead of 'halt'.

put a stop to a conversation

Similar to 'stop a conversation' but with a stronger sense of authority.

interrupt a conversation

Focuses on the act of interjecting and breaking the flow.

cut off a conversation

Implies an abrupt and sometimes rude interruption.

bring a conversation to a standstill

More emphatic, suggesting a complete cessation of talking.

end a conversation abruptly

Highlights the sudden and unexpected conclusion.

break off a conversation

Suggests a more gentle or natural termination.

suspend a conversation

Implies a temporary pause in the dialogue.

terminate a conversation

A formal way to say 'end a conversation'.

silence a conversation

Emphasizes the result of halting the conversation: a quiet atmosphere.

FAQs

What does "halt a conversation" mean?

The phrase "halt a conversation" means to bring a discussion or dialogue to a sudden or complete stop. It suggests an interruption or cessation of talking.

What can I say instead of "halt a conversation"?

You can use alternatives like "stop a conversation", "interrupt a conversation", or "bring a conversation to a standstill" depending on the context.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "halt a conversation"?

It is appropriate to use "halt a conversation" in situations where there is a noticeable and often abrupt stop to the discussion. This can be due to an external interruption, a change in topic, or a deliberate decision to end the conversation.

Is "halt a conversation" formal or informal?

The phrase "halt a conversation" leans towards being more formal than its alternatives like "stop a conversation" or "interrupt a conversation". Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing or speaking when choosing between these options.