have been halted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been halted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been stopped or suspended at some point in the past and continues to be in that state. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, all construction activities have been halted until further notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Major construction projects have been halted.

The Guardian

Exports and most imports have been halted.

The Guardian

Oahu-Maui trips have been halted by a court order.

The New York Times

All private flights have been halted except where specifically authorised.

The Guardian

The Supreme Court hearings on the missing have been halted.

The New York Times

P32 Martin Kettle: The Tories' BBC haters have been halted.

The Guardian

Routine inspections of drinking water systems across the country have been halted.

The New York Times

Pipeline exports have been halted for several months because of a dispute with Baghdad over payments.

The New York Times

Those moves have been halted for now while the investigation continues into the death.

The New York Times

Road works and car inspections have been halted and most courts have been suspended.

The Economist

About half of Libya's oil exports – the country's economic lifeline – have been halted.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been halted" to clearly and concisely indicate that an action, process, or activity has been stopped, whether temporarily or permanently. Consider the context to determine if a more specific term like "suspended" or "discontinued" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "halted" interchangeably with words like "delayed" or "slowed". "Halted" implies a complete stop, while "delayed" or "slowed" suggest a temporary setback or reduction in speed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been halted" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject has been stopped or brought to a standstill by an external force or circumstance. Ludwig AI shows that it is used to describe a state of cessation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been halted" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate that something has been stopped. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. It's commonly found in news, media and scientific contexts, conveying a neutral tone. When writing, remember that "halted" means a complete stop, not a delay or slowdown. Consider alternatives like "have been stopped", "have been suspended", or "have been discontinued" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been stopped

Simple substitution of "halted" with its direct synonym "stopped", creating a more general and universally understood alternative.

have been suspended

"Suspended" implies a temporary cessation, whereas "halted" can be either temporary or permanent. This alternative emphasizes the possibility of resumption.

have been discontinued

"Discontinued" suggests a more permanent cessation, often used when referring to products or services that will no longer be offered.

have been terminated

"Terminated" implies a complete and final end, often used in formal contexts like contracts or employment.

have been ceased

"Ceased" is a more formal synonym for "stopped", suitable for legal or official contexts.

have been brought to a standstill

This phrase emphasizes the idea of complete immobility or inaction, highlighting the effect of the halting.

have come to a stop

This alternative focuses on the action of stopping, rather than the state of being stopped.

are no longer in progress

This phrase is a more descriptive alternative, suitable for explaining why something is not happening.

have been put on hold

This implies a temporary suspension, often used when something is delayed but not necessarily stopped completely.

have been put to rest

This phrase suggests that something has been definitively ended or abandoned, with no intention of resuming.

FAQs

How can I use "have been halted" in a sentence?

You can use "have been halted" to indicate that something has stopped. For example, "Construction projects "have been halted" due to the pandemic" or "Negotiations "have been halted" pending further review".

What are some alternatives to "have been halted"?

Alternatives include phrases like "have been stopped", "have been suspended", or "have been discontinued", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "have been halted" formal or informal?

"Have been halted" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal situations, consider using a more precise synonym like "have been terminated" if appropriate.

What is the difference between "have been halted" and "have been delayed"?

"Have been halted" means that something has completely stopped, either temporarily or permanently. "Have been delayed" implies a temporary setback, with the expectation that the activity will resume at a later time.