halted abruptly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "halted abruptly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden stop or interruption in an action or process. Example: "The meeting was going smoothly until it halted abruptly due to a technical issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Some clinical trials have been halted abruptly as patients developed severe or fatal side effects.

The New York Times - Science

His first involvement was a missed tackle on George Pisi, his second a strong charge halted abruptly by the referee's whistle because of obstruction by Courtney Lawes.

Independent

Nortel's problems became apparent earlier this year after the feverish construction of communications networks expected to usher in an age of fast-growing Internet traffic halted abruptly.

The New York Times

It unwound each September with Columbus's voyage to the New World and halted abruptly each June just shy of James Buchanan's inauguration.

The New York Times - Arts

But growth was halted abruptly in 1920, with membership at 45 percent of the work force, and in conditions of heavy unemployment there followed a long decline into the early 1930s.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In May 1995, Reeve was taking part in a cross-country equestrian event when his thoroughbred horse, Buck, halted abruptly before a jump - scared, perhaps, by a rabbit, Reeve has speculated - and pitched his rider head-first to the ground.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The victim is said to have been travelling on the escalator when somebody pressed the emergency stop button, causing the machine to halt abruptly and throw the elderly woman down the steps.

Independent

In March 2003, 15 months before the study's scheduled end, its directors halted it abruptly.

The New York Times

It was a good time to ask, for as we approached Southampton, a line of cars ahead halted us abruptly.

The New York Times - Arts

In 2006, the agency opened an investigation, but halted it abruptly at the behest of another unnamed agency.

The New York Times

Dr. Susan Desmond-Hellmann, chief medical officer at Genentech, said such a disease rebound would be less of a problem in actual treatment because drug use would not be halted as abruptly as it was in the trial.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "halted abruptly" to emphasize the unexpected and sudden nature of a stop or cessation. It is suitable for describing events, processes, or actions that come to a sharp and immediate end.

Common error

Avoid using "halted abruptly" in very casual or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "stopped suddenly" are often more appropriate for everyday conversations or informal narratives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "halted abruptly" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, describing how an action (halting) is performed. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase signifies a sudden and unexpected stop. The phrase adds detail to the verb.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "halted abruptly" is an adverbial phrase indicating a sudden and unexpected cessation. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with some usage in scientific and encyclopedic sources. While the phrase conveys a sense of immediacy and surprise, it is best used in neutral to formal contexts. Alternatives include "stopped suddenly" or "came to a sudden halt". When writing, use "halted abruptly" to emphasize the unexpected nature of a stop and avoid overuse in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stopped suddenly

Focuses on the suddenness of the stop, replacing "abruptly" with a direct synonym.

came to a sudden halt

Replaces "halted" with a nominal form emphasizing the arrival at a stopping point.

terminated unexpectedly

Highlights the unexpected nature of the termination, suitable for formal contexts.

ceased immediately

Stresses the immediacy of the cessation, less nuanced than "abruptly".

interrupted sharply

Emphasizes the sharpness of the interruption, implying a more forceful stop.

ended without warning

Focuses on the lack of warning before the end, suitable for narratives.

broken off quickly

Suggests a snapping or breaking action that leads to a quick stop.

cut short

Implies that something was stopped before its natural or intended end.

brought to a standstill immediately

A more emphatic way of saying something was stopped completely and without delay.

suspended without notice

Focuses on the act of suspension occurring without any prior notification.

FAQs

How can I use "halted abruptly" in a sentence?

You can use "halted abruptly" to describe something that stopped suddenly and unexpectedly. For example, "The negotiations "halted abruptly" due to disagreements".

What can I say instead of "halted abruptly"?

You can use alternatives like "stopped suddenly", "came to a sudden halt", or "terminated unexpectedly" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "suddenly halted" instead of "halted abruptly"?

Both "suddenly halted" and "halted abruptly" are grammatically correct, but "halted abruptly" emphasizes the unexpected nature of the stop more strongly.

What's the difference between "halted abruptly" and "paused temporarily"?

"Halted abruptly" implies a sudden and often unexpected stop, while "paused temporarily" suggests a planned or anticipated break that is not permanent.