stop at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stop at" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe someone stopping a certain activity at a particular point or to describe the limit of an action or plan. For example, "We will stop at the store to pick up snacks for the picnic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Why stop at China?

The New York Times

Why stop at teachers?

The New Yorker

Well, why stop at health?

The New York Times

And why stop at toddlers?

The Economist

And why stop at kidneys?

The Economist

They would stop at nothing.

The New Yorker

"They will stop at nothing.

Independent

Why stop at four services?

The Economist

But why stop at sautéing?

The New Yorker

Rivers don't stop at borders.

The New Yorker

And why stop at sound?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stop at" to indicate a planned pause or destination within a larger activity or journey. For example, "We'll "stop at" the bakery on the way home."

Common error

In formal writing, avoid overuse of "stop at" by considering stronger, more precise verbs like 'conclude', 'terminate', or 'cease' to add impact and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stop at" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a temporary halt or a limit. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in English. It is used to describe the action of pausing during a journey or setting a boundary, as demonstrated in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

25%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stop at" is a versatile phrasal verb used to indicate a pause, a destination, or a limit. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science sources, suggesting a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. Alternatives include "pause at", "halt at", and "cease at", each conveying slightly different nuances. To use "stop at" effectively, consider the context and choose it when indicating a planned pause or a defined boundary. Be mindful of overusing it in formal writing, where more precise verbs might enhance clarity. With its frequent usage and straightforward meaning, "stop at" remains a valuable part of the English lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pause at

Indicates a temporary halt, rather than a final one, differing in the duration of the interruption.

cease at

Highlights a complete ending at a specified point, emphasizing the termination of an activity.

halt at

Suggests an abrupt stop, usually due to an obstacle or impediment.

desist at

Implies a voluntary termination, often to avoid a negative consequence.

break at

Emphasizes a separation or interruption in a continuous action or process.

terminate at

Focuses on the final point of a defined process or agreement.

end at

Simply signifies the concluding point without implying specific reasons.

reach at

Shifts the focus to arrival, implying a destination or objective.

arrive at

Specifies the endpoint of a journey or endeavor, different than a temporary pause.

conclude at

Highlights the resolution or final decision reached at a particular moment.

FAQs

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

You can use "stop at" to indicate a brief pause during a journey or activity, as in "We'll "stop at" the gas station to refuel". Alternatively, it can signify a limit or boundary, such as "The investigation will "stop at" the manager level".

What can I say instead of "stop at"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "pause at", "halt at", or "cease at". Each option emphasizes different aspects of stopping or pausing.

Is it correct to say "stop by" instead of "stop at"?

While both phrases involve stopping, "stop by" implies a short, often unplanned visit, whereas "stop at" is more general and can refer to a planned stop or a boundary. They aren't always interchangeable.

When should I use "stop at" versus "end at"?

"Stop at" suggests an intermediate pause or limit, while "end at" signifies the final point or conclusion. Use "stop at" when there's an expectation of continuing after the pause, and "end at" when the activity is concluding.