please stop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please stop" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting someone to cease an action or behavior that is bothersome or unwanted. Example: "I appreciate your enthusiasm, but please stop talking during the movie."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Please stop.

The New York Times

Please stop this charade".

The New Yorker

Charter schools, please, stop.

The New York Times

Please stop bouncing.

The New Yorker

Please stop importing.

The New York Times

Monkey Tennis?" "Please stop".

Independent

Please stop it".

The New York Times

"Please stop talking".

The New Yorker

Please stop that gag".

The New York Times

"Please stop the squealing.

The New York Times

Please stop it, just please stop".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "please stop", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Specify what action you want the person to stop doing.

Common error

While "please stop" is acceptable in many situations, it may be too direct for very formal or professional communications. Consider using a more nuanced phrasing like "I would appreciate it if you could refrain from..." to maintain a respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please stop" functions primarily as an imperative, used to issue a polite command or request. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound way to ask someone to cease an action. Examples in Ludwig show its versatility in different contexts, from personal requests to addressing broader issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "please stop" is a grammatically correct and very common imperative used to politely request the cessation of an action. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is widely accepted and applicable in various contexts. While its directness makes it effective, it's crucial to consider the setting and audience, adjusting the tone for highly formal situations. Ludwig examples show that it appears most frequently in news and media. For more formal scenarios, alternatives like "kindly cease" or "I would appreciate it if you could refrain from" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kindly cease

Uses a more formal tone and vocabulary.

would you please refrain from

Introduces a greater degree of politeness and formality.

I ask you to stop

Uses a more direct and assertive tone.

I'm asking you to stop

Similar to "I ask you to stop", but with a continuous tense, implying urgency or ongoing action.

desist

A single word command, more abrupt and formal.

can you not

More colloquial and can imply annoyance.

leave it out

A more informal, possibly regional expression.

knock it off

A more forceful and informal way to say "stop".

halt

A formal and abrupt command to stop.

enough

Implies an end to something excessive or undesirable.

FAQs

How can I use "please stop" in a sentence?

You can use "please stop" to politely ask someone to cease an action. For example, "Please stop making noise" or "Please stop interrupting me."

What are some alternative ways to say "please stop"?

Alternatives include "kindly cease", "would you please refrain from", or a simple "halt" depending on the context and level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "please stop"?

It's suitable for everyday situations where you need someone to stop an action that's bothering you. Be mindful of your tone to avoid sounding overly demanding.

Is "please stop" too direct in professional settings?

In some professional settings, it might be perceived as too direct. Consider using a more polite alternative such as "I would appreciate it if you could stop" or "Could you please refrain from" to soften the request.