please stop that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please stop that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to request someone to cease a specific action or behavior that is bothering you. Example: "During the meeting, I had to say, 'Please stop that,' when someone kept interrupting me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Please, stop that," Mr. Cohen said, heading toward the grill in the backyard with a platter of meat.

The New York Times - Style

In one song, Garbus inhabits the character of a paranoid neighborhood watchman — George Zimmerman comes to mind — and though the chorus, "Please stop that man, stop that man, stop that man," is passionately sung, it also has an ironic edge.

The New Yorker

"If our friend who is doing a live broadcast with his back to me would please stop, that would be helpful to me," Mr. Sarkozy said as his supporters roared their approval and then appeared to boo the reporter.

The New York Times

"She's writing down 'Watch your fingering,' and 'Work on your tone.' I wanted to say, 'Can you please stop that.' " The song begins with a simple, almost exercise-like figure.

The New Yorker

In one song, Garbus inhabits the character of a paranoid neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman comes to mind and though the chorus, "Please stop that man, stop that man, stop that man," is passionately sung, it also has an ironic edge.

The New Yorker

Phil: Someone please stop that Hashim Amla song.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"Will you please stop saying that word?

The New Yorker

Honey, please stop kicking that nice man's seat.

The Washington Post

Could you please stop doing that?" He shook the bike frame.

The New Yorker

Please stop saying that.

TechCrunch

If so, please stop doing that.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "please stop that" in writing, ensure that the context makes it clear what action you are asking the person to stop. Be mindful of your tone to avoid sounding overly demanding or rude.

Common error

While "please stop that" is a useful phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternative requests like "kindly refrain from that" or other related phrases to add nuance and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please stop that" functions as an imperative, specifically a polite request or command. It's used to ask someone to cease a particular action or behavior. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, the phrase appears in various contexts, from casual conversations to more formal requests.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "please stop that" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for politely requesting the cessation of an action. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, writers should be mindful of tone and context, opting for more formal or direct alternatives when appropriate. Overusing the phrase can lead to repetitiveness, so varying your language with related requests is advisable. Overall, "please stop that" is a reliable and effective way to ask someone to discontinue an undesirable behavior.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can you stop that

More direct, less polite.

could you please not do that

Polite and slightly indirect.

would you mind stopping that

Indirect and polite.

i'm asking you to stop that

Emphasizes the request.

kindly cease that

More formal and polite.

i'd appreciate it if you stopped that

Polite and somewhat indirect.

i must ask you to stop

Formal and firm.

please refrain from doing that

Highly formal and polite.

please desist

Formal and concise.

stop doing that

Direct and potentially impolite depending on tone.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "please stop that"?

You can use alternatives like "kindly cease that", "would you mind stopping that", or simply "stop doing that" depending on the level of formality and directness you want to convey.

How can I make "please stop that" sound more polite?

To make "please stop that" more polite, consider adding qualifiers such as "would you mind please stop that" or framing it as a question: "could you please stop that"?

Is it ever appropriate to use "please stop that" in formal writing?

While "please stop that" is generally suitable for informal and neutral contexts, it might be perceived as too direct for highly formal writing. In such cases, opt for more formal alternatives like "please refrain from that" or "I must ask you to stop".

When is it better to use a more direct command instead of "please stop that"?

In situations where urgency or authority is paramount, a more direct command like "stop that" might be more appropriate. However, be mindful of the potential impact on interpersonal relationships, as direct commands can sometimes be perceived as rude.