halts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "halts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the stopping or cessation of an action or process. Example: "The train halts at every station to allow passengers to board and disembark."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It may not be good for much, but Pudsey the Dog: The Movie marks the point at which Cowell's hegemony over all things mass-media abruptly halts; past this beetling shoreline, it's darkness, chaos and dragons.

The Guardian - Film

The Green leader said her party would not rest until it ends the use of food banks, brings in a compulsory living wage, re-nationalises the railways and halts NHS privatisation.

The Guardian

One of my colleagues said that those who did use the metro, who had to use it to get home, were much friendlier than usual, but also wary of young north African-looking men and the frequent halts between stations.

The Guardian - Opinion

It also halts any likely copycat programs from the likes of Russia and Korea which had the decision favoured Japan had been expected to introduce research whaling programs of their own".

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 9.33pm AEST12:33 47 min: With NSW on the attack in Qld's 22m, the ref halts play when it comes close to a stricken Gallen who, replays show, offloaded the ball moments earlier before Papalii slammed into him from behind like an out-of-control lorry.

The Guardian - Sport

And finally, the American economy has a national financial structure that halts contagion.

The Economist

The union also wants the most sophisticated train-protection system, ATP, which automatically halts any train which fails to stop at a red light, to be compulsory on all trains.

The Economist

They were not prepared to endorse the interim deal, which halts much of Iran's nuclear programme, walks back some aspects of it and includes intrusive inspections.

The Economist

This included extending the period during which Wall Street banks can take advantage of the Fed's discount rate (normally reserved for retail banks) until the end of January.The Securities and Exchange Commission extended a rule that halts short-selling the shares of 19 financial companies until August 12th (after which it will not be renewed).

The Economist

When everyone is known to be bored, the meeting halts.

The Economist

When these aren't taken care of it causes legal uncertainty and delay, because it means the public prosecutor's office steps in and halts work.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "halts" to describe a sudden or abrupt stop, especially when emphasizing the cessation of an action or process. For a more gradual ending, consider alternatives like "ceases" or "terminates".

Common error

Avoid using "halts" when describing a process that gradually slows down or ends. "Halts" implies an immediate cessation, not a tapering off. Use alternatives like "slows", "diminishes", or "fades" for such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The word "halts" functions as a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense of "halt". It typically indicates the action of stopping or causing something to stop. Ludwig examples confirm its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "halts" functions as a verb indicating the action of stopping or ceasing. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and appropriate for describing the cessation of an action, process, or movement. While its register is generally neutral, leaning towards formal, it is frequently used in "News & Media", "Science", and "Encyclopedias". When choosing to use "halts", consider whether it is most appropriate given its sense of abruptness or finality. If referring to a gradual conclusion of something, it's better to use alternatives like "slowing down", or "coming to an end".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comes to a stop

This alternative provides a more descriptive and less abrupt way of expressing the action of stopping.

ceases

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the termination or ending of something, rather than just a pause or stop.

terminates

Similar to "ceases", "terminates" implies a more definitive and often official end.

is discontinued

This passive construction is suitable when the focus is on the action being stopped, rather than the agent doing the stopping.

is brought to a standstill

Emphasizes the complete cessation of movement or progress, often due to an obstacle or problem.

grinds to a halt

This idiom suggests a slow and often reluctant stop, possibly due to friction or resistance.

shut down

Implies a controlled or systematic cessation, often used in technical or mechanical contexts.

is suspended

Suggests a temporary stop, with the possibility of resumption at a later time.

draws to a close

Indicates a gradual ending, often in the context of events or periods of time.

wraps up

A more casual term for something coming to an end, suggesting completion.

FAQs

How is "halts" used in a sentence?

"Halt" is a verb that means to stop or bring to a stop. "Halt" refers to the third person singular present of the verb, it is used when the subject is he, she or it. For instance, "The machine automatically "halts" if any malfunction is detected."

What words can I use instead of "halts"?

Alternatives for "halts" include "stops", "ceases", "terminates" or "discontinues". The best choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is it correct to use "halts" to describe a gradual ending?

No, "halts" implies an immediate cessation. For a gradual ending, use words like "slows", "diminishes", or "fades". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "halts" and "suspends"?

"Halts" implies a complete stop, while "suspends" suggests a temporary stop with the possibility of resuming later. For example, "The project halts due to lack of funding" vs. "The project is suspended until further notice."