stop counting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stop counting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to cease the act of counting, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense. Example: "After reaching the number ten, please stop counting and move on to the next task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Stop counting!

The New Yorker

Then we stop counting.

Independent

Stop counting letters.

The Guardian

It's time to stop counting devices.

Harvard Business Review

I count the times I push, and then stop counting.

The New Yorker

But perhaps it is time to stop counting so carefully.

The New York Times - Sports

"After you get past the third cousin, we just stop counting".

The New York Times - Sports

In most cases, they stop counting once a decision has been made.

The Guardian

"It's mind-blowing that the court would actually stop counting votes".

The New York Times

W. used family muscle to try to stop counting votes while he was ahead.

The New York Times

You stop counting how many roles each one is playing, even though it's something to do.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stop counting" in a metaphorical sense, ensure the context clearly indicates what should no longer be considered or emphasized. For example, "Stop counting the likes on social media and focus on genuine connections."

Common error

Avoid using "stop counting" in situations where a temporary pause is intended, as it implies a complete cessation. Consider using "pause counting" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stop counting" primarily functions as an imperative, directly instructing someone to cease the action of counting. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in both literal contexts, such as halting vote counts, and metaphorical contexts, such as ceasing to consider calories.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

19%

HuffPost

19%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

The New Yorker

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stop counting" is a versatile imperative used to instruct the cessation of enumeration, both literally and figuratively. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "cease counting" exist for more formal settings, "stop counting" remains a common and direct way to express this command. Remember to consider the context carefully to ensure clear communication and avoid misinterpretations. Its versatility makes it a valuable phrase for expressing the need to end a counting process or shift focus away from particular considerations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cease counting

Replaces "stop" with "cease", a more formal synonym, slightly altering the tone.

discontinue counting

Substitutes "stop" with "discontinue", emphasizing the interruption of the counting process.

halt counting

Uses "halt" instead of "stop", suggesting an abrupt end to the counting activity.

quit counting

Replaces "stop" with "quit", a more informal and direct way to express ending the counting.

end the count

Rephrases the instruction to focus on ending the overall activity of counting.

refrain from counting

Emphasizes the act of deliberately avoiding counting, rather than simply stopping.

no longer count

Shifts the focus to a state of not counting anymore, implying a permanent change.

suspend counting

Suggests a temporary pause in counting, rather than a complete cessation.

abandon the count

Emphasizes giving up on the counting process entirely.

desist from counting

Uses a more formal and emphatic way to instruct someone to stop counting.

FAQs

What does "stop counting" mean?

The phrase "stop counting" means to cease the act of enumeration or calculation, either literally or figuratively. It's a command to discontinue the process of counting.

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

You can use "stop counting" to instruct someone to cease a literal count (e.g., "Stop counting the votes now") or to abandon a metaphorical consideration (e.g., "Stop counting your problems and focus on solutions").

What are some alternatives to "stop counting"?

Alternatives include "cease counting", "discontinue counting", or "halt counting". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it ever appropriate to use "quit counting" instead of "stop counting"?

Yes, "quit counting" is an acceptable alternative to "stop counting", particularly in informal contexts. However, "stop counting" is generally more versatile and appropriate for formal or neutral situations.