stop and consider

USAGE SUMMARY

"stop and consider" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used as an imperative sentence, meaning that it is a command or directive to someone to stop what they are doing and think carefully about something before making a decision or taking action. Example: "Stop and consider the consequences before you make a rash decision." This sentence is telling the person to pause and reflect on the potential outcomes of their decision before moving forward. "Stop and consider" can be used in a variety of contexts, such as giving advice, making a request, or offering a reminder to think things through.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

/ If she does not, stop and consider.

The New Yorker

But let's just stop and consider Lost again.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Women dressed as dancing snowflakes tried to persuade showgoers to stop and consider it.

The New York Times

His vivid use of colour grabs your attention, imploring you to stop and consider.

The Guardian - Opinion

"At one point I had to stop and consider; I was afraid to move," he said.

The New York Times

This time, however, we should stop and consider what we have done in similar circumstances before.

The Guardian

But we are too busy ensuring this is so to stop and consider what it actually means.

The Guardian

Whenever the price of something rises as much, and as quickly, as gold has, we need to stop and consider the end game.

The New York Times

By having actors of color issue this warning while impersonating historical white men, Miranda makes us stop and consider: What are we looking at?

The New Yorker

The effect is graphically hip with a lot of information to stop and consider, a veritable arboretum of images, but at some cost to the story's continuity.

The New York Times - Books

"We had to stop and consider the new information, run it to ground, compare it to hundreds of sources of data," McConnell said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stop and consider", ensure that the context provides a clear indication of what the subject should be considering. Be specific rather than vague.

Common error

Avoid using "stop and consider" without making it clear what needs to be considered. For example, instead of saying "Stop and consider!", specify "Stop and consider the potential risks!"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stop and consider" functions primarily as an imperative, directing someone to pause and think carefully about a specific matter before taking action. This is supported by Ludwig's assessment that it's used as a command or directive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

22%

Huffington Post

21%

Less common in

Science

4%

The New Yorker

2%

BBC

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stop and consider" is a grammatically correct and frequently used imperative phrase that serves to encourage careful deliberation before taking action. As Ludwig AI describes, it functions as a command, urging thoughtful consideration of potential outcomes. Its usage spans a range of contexts, from news and media to wikis, indicating its versatility and general applicability. While the phrase itself is straightforward, it's essential to ensure clarity in its application by specifying what exactly should be considered. Related phrases like "pause and reflect" or "think it over carefully" can offer nuanced alternatives, enriching your writing and communication. Ultimately, "stop and consider" is a valuable tool for promoting thoughtful decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

think it over carefully

Emphasizes careful and thorough thinking about a matter.

pause and reflect

Emphasizes reflection over immediate action, focusing on a period of contemplation.

give it some thought

Suggests dedicating time and attention to thinking about something.

take a moment to ponder

Highlights the act of pondering, suggesting a deeper, more thoughtful consideration.

reflect before proceeding

Focuses on thinking carefully before taking further action.

weigh the options

Highlights the process of evaluating different choices or possibilities.

deliberate carefully

Focuses on a careful and thorough deliberation.

contemplate the matter

Highlights the act of contemplating, suggesting a deep and thoughtful consideration.

assess the situation

Highlights the act of assessing and evaluating the circumstances before making a decision.

reassess your position

Suggests reevaluating a stance or viewpoint after consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "stop and consider" in a sentence?

You can use "stop and consider" as an imperative to advise someone to pause and think carefully before acting. For example, "Before making any drastic decisions, "stop and consider" all the possible outcomes."

What are some alternatives to "stop and consider"?

Alternatives include "pause and reflect", "take a moment to ponder", or "think it over carefully". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "stop and consider"?

While generally appropriate, using "stop and consider" might sound condescending if the context implies someone is already being thoughtful. In those cases, a gentler suggestion might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "stop and consider" and "think about it"?

"Stop and consider" implies a more immediate need for reflection before proceeding, whereas "think about it" suggests a more leisurely or delayed consideration.