stop at nothing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stop at nothing" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase means to be willing to do whatever it takes to achieve a desired result. For example: "Jack was determined to win the race, so he stopped at nothing to secure his victory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They would stop at nothing.

The New Yorker

"They will stop at nothing.

Independent

Will he stop at nothing to succeed?

Independent

He would stop at nothing.

The Guardian

Fielder will stop at nothing.

The New Yorker

I will stop at nothing".

The New Yorker

They're going to stop at nothing".

The New York Times

"We will stop at nothing and nobody.

The Guardian - Business

Will that woman stop at nothing?

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

For engineers, there is an important lesson: let the imagination stop at nothing least of all contemporary technological limitations.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

"Those Luos won't stop at nothing".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stop at nothing" to convey a strong sense of determination and a willingness to overcome any obstacle. For example, "The company will "stop at nothing" to ensure customer satisfaction."

Common error

Avoid using "stop at nothing" in contexts where the stakes are low or the effort required is minimal. This can dilute the phrase's impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "stop at nothing" is as a verb phrase within a sentence, often serving as the predicate to describe the extent to which someone is willing to go to achieve a goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

11%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stop at nothing" is an idiomatic expression used to convey a powerful sense of determination and a willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve a desired outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While versatile, it's best suited for scenarios where the stakes are high and the commitment is unwavering. Alternatives such as "go to any lengths" or "do whatever it takes" can offer similar emphasis. Primarily found in News & Media, this phrase maintains a neutral register and serves to underscore commitment across different forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do whatever it takes

Directly states the willingness to take any necessary action.

go to any lengths

Implies a willingness to endure hardship or difficulty to achieve something.

spare no effort

Focuses on the dedication of resources and energy.

leave no stone unturned

Suggests a thorough and exhaustive search or effort.

pull out all the stops

Indicates the use of every available resource and method.

move heaven and earth

Emphasizes the extreme measures taken to achieve something.

go all out

Suggests committing fully and enthusiastically to a task.

give it everything you've got

Focuses on exerting maximum effort and energy.

be ruthless

Implies a lack of compassion or consideration for others in achieving a goal.

cross any line

Suggests a willingness to violate moral or ethical boundaries.

FAQs

How can I use "stop at nothing" in a sentence?

Use "stop at nothing" to describe someone's extreme dedication and willingness to do anything to achieve their goal. For example, "She will "stop at nothing" to achieve her dreams."

What does it mean to "stop at nothing"?

To "stop at nothing" means to be determined to achieve something, even if it requires taking drastic measures or facing significant risks.

What can I say instead of "stop at nothing"?

You can use alternatives like "go to any lengths", "spare no effort", or "do whatever it takes" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "stop at nothing" in formal writing?

While "stop at nothing" is widely understood, consider your audience and the level of formality required. In some formal contexts, a more nuanced or less idiomatic phrase might be preferable.