stem the flow

USAGE SUMMARY

"stem the flow" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the act of stopping or slowing down a process. Example: The government enacted emergency measures to stem the flow of immigrants across the border.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

How do I stem the flow?

The Guardian - Sport

Even Herath can't stem the flow here.

The Guardian - Sport

Attempts to stem the flow have failed.

The New York Times

Burns's second penalty did not stem the flow.

The Guardian - Sport

Rather, it is to stem the flow of contraband.

The New York Times

Others are finding more subtle ways to stem the flow.

The New York Times

One is whether Libya would, or could, stem the flow.

The Economist

He also unveiled an ambitious investment plan for Africa to stem the flow of migrants.

The Guardian

We cannot stem the flow, but we can drink deeply while it is there.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not that the poor success rate has done anything to stem the flow of wannabes.

The Guardian

But the policy did largely stem the flow of asylum-seeker vessels to Australia.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stem the flow", ensure the context clearly indicates what you are trying to stop or slow down. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "stem the flow" in contexts where a more nuanced term like "manage" or "regulate" would be more appropriate. The phrase implies a forceful stopping, which might not always be the desired effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stem the flow" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used transitively to describe the action of halting or slowing down a process or movement. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where it acts as the main verb.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Sport

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stem the flow" is a widely used and grammatically correct phrase that functions as a verb to express the action of halting or slowing down a process. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. Predominantly found in News & Media and Sport contexts, the phrase carries a neutral to formal register and serves the purpose of conveying proactive control over unwanted trends. When writing, ensure clarity in specifying what you are trying to stop or slow down, and consider if a forceful stopping is the desired effect. Alternatives such as "halt the progression" or "curtail the surge" may offer a more nuanced approach depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

halt the progression

Emphasizes stopping the forward movement or development of something.

stop the onrush

Focuses on halting a rapid and forceful movement.

curtail the surge

Specifically addresses reducing a sudden increase or rush.

suppress the surge

Emphasizes forcefully stopping a sudden increase.

check the advance

Focuses on preventing further advancement or progress.

control the increase

Highlights managing and limiting a rise in something.

impede the progression

Highlights hindering or slowing down a process.

inhibit the expansion

Focuses on preventing growth or spread.

restrain the tide

Implies controlling a powerful and overwhelming force.

retard the development

Implies slowing down the growth or evolution of something.

FAQs

How can I use "stem the flow" in a sentence?

You can use "stem the flow" when you want to describe an action to stop or slow down something, such as "The new regulations aim to "stem the flow" of illegal immigration".

What are some alternatives to "stem the flow"?

Alternatives include phrases like "halt the progression", "check the advance", or "curtail the surge", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "stop the flow" or "stem the flow"?

"Stem the flow" often implies a more gradual slowing down or managing of something, whereas "stop the flow" suggests a complete cessation. The best choice depends on whether you want to completely halt something or just reduce its intensity.

What does it mean to "stem the flow" of misinformation?

To ""stem the flow"" of misinformation means to take actions to reduce or stop the spread of false or misleading information, often through fact-checking, education, or regulation.