it stops me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it stops me" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something hinders or prevents you from doing something. Example: "Every time I try to focus on my work, the noise outside stops me from concentrating."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

It stops me dead.

The Guardian - Arts

It stops me from thinking, even now.

Independent

"Mostly, it stops me from doing things".

The New York Times - Magazine

Not that it stops me from shopping for ingredients.

The New York Times

"If it stops me from getting another job, that's fine.

The Guardian - Money

And it stops me buying doughnuts from the cafe over the road.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

It stopped me short.

The New York Times

It stopped me.

The New Yorker

"It stopped me overdoing it like last year.

The Guardian - Sport

"It stopped me from being brilliant".

The New York Times

"And it stopped me," Landau says.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates whether the prevention is temporary or permanent.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly defining what "it" refers to. A vague "it" can confuse the reader. Instead of saying, "It stops me", specify what the cause is: "The noise stops me from concentrating."

Linguistic Context

Function: The phrase "it stops me" functions as a declarative statement expressing how an unspecified "it" hinders or prevents the speaker from performing a certain action or reaching a certain state. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to express an obstacle or limitation. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it stops me" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something is preventing or hindering one from doing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is valid and understood. Predominantly found in news and media, it carries a neutral tone suitable for various contexts. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what "it" refers to, and consider related phrases like "it prevents me" or "it hinders me" to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it prevents me

Focuses on the action of preventing something from happening.

it hinders me

Emphasizes the difficulty or obstacle created.

it obstructs me

Suggests a more forceful blocking or impediment.

it inhibits me

Implies a suppression or restraint of action or feeling.

it deters me

Highlights the discouragement from taking a particular action.

it impedes me

Similar to 'hinders', but often suggests a slower progress.

it restrains me

Focuses on the limitation of freedom or movement.

it halts me

Emphasizes an abrupt stop to an action or process.

it interrupts me

Highlights a temporary break in an activity.

it discourages me

Implies a loss of confidence or enthusiasm due to something.

FAQs

What does "it stops me" mean?

The phrase "it stops me" means that something is preventing or hindering you from doing something. The "it" refers to a specific obstacle, condition, or factor that is causing the prevention.

What are some alternatives to "it stops me"?

Alternatives include "it prevents me", "it hinders me", or "it obstructs me". The best alternative depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "it stops me" in a sentence?

You can use it to explain why you can't perform a certain action or reach a specific goal. For instance, "The rain it stops me from going outside", or "My fear of heights it stops me from climbing the mountain".

Is "it stops me" formal or informal?

The phrase "it stops me" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might prefer more sophisticated alternatives like "it prevents me" or "it hinders me".