has to be stopped

USAGE SUMMARY

'has to be stopped' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action that must be ended for some reason. For example: The construction work on the highway has to be stopped due to bad weather.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This has to be stopped.

The New York Times

This tragedy has to be stopped".

The New York Times

Something has to be stopped: how?

The New York Times

That is what has to be stopped".

The Guardian

"The production line has to be stopped".

The New York Times

Somehow, the rot has to be stopped.

The Guardian

This is what has to be stopped.

The Guardian

"It has to be stopped some way, some how.

The New York Times

He called it "a juggernaut that has to be stopped".

The New Yorker

It has to be stopped here and now".

Independent

This is an outrage and it has to be stopped.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has to be stopped", ensure the context clearly indicates what action or situation requires termination. For example, "The spread of misinformation has to be stopped."

Common error

Ensure that the subject requiring cessation is explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity. Instead of saying "It has to be stopped", specify what "it" refers to, such as "The project has to be stopped".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has to be stopped" functions as a modal construction, expressing a strong obligation or necessity for an action to cease. Ludwig examples confirm its use in contexts where immediate termination is crucial.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has to be stopped" is a versatile modal phrase used to express the necessity of terminating an action or situation. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it's frequently employed in contexts ranging from news and media to scientific discussions. While versatile, ensuring clear reference to the subject being stopped is crucial for clarity. Alternatives such as "must be halted" or "needs to be prevented" offer similar meanings with subtle variations in formality and emphasis. The phrase is considered neutral in tone, making it suitable for various communication needs. Its consistent usage across authoritative sources underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be halted

This alternative is a more formal and direct synonym, emphasizing an immediate need to cease.

needs to be prevented

This alternative focuses on proactively averting something before it occurs.

should be discontinued

This alternative suggests a more formal and planned cessation of an activity.

ought to be ceased

This alternative conveys a sense of moral obligation to stop something.

requires immediate cessation

This alternative emphasizes the urgency and necessity of stopping something at once.

is imperative to halt

This alternative stresses the critical importance of stopping something.

demands to be prevented

This alternative suggests a strong need or requirement for prevention.

warrants termination

This alternative is a more formal way of saying something should be ended.

necessitates an end

This alternative highlights the unavoidable need for something to finish.

calls for a stop

This alternative suggests that the situation necessitates an immediate halt to the action.

FAQs

How can I use "has to be stopped" in a sentence?

Use "has to be stopped" to express that an action or situation must be terminated. For example, "The bleeding "has to be stopped" immediately."

What are some alternatives to "has to be stopped"?

Alternatives include "must be halted", "needs to be prevented", or "should be discontinued", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "has to be stopped" formal or informal?

"Has to be stopped" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives like "must be halted" might be preferred in certain situations.

What does "has to be stopped" imply?

It implies a necessity or obligation to terminate an action or situation, often because it is harmful or undesirable. It suggests that continuing the action will have negative consequences.