stop distracting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stop distracting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask someone to cease their distracting behavior or actions. Example: "I need you to focus on your work, so please stop distracting me with your conversations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Congress should stop distracting him.

The Economist

Stop distracting us with serious ­topics".

The New York Times - Books

Anyway, stop distracting me, it's starting.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Please Nobel eight, Richard Dawkins, Brian Cox and even Boris Johnson, stop distracting us away from the real issue.

The Guardian

But I also know that when I can stop distracting myself and get there — writing or recording music — I'm a complete version of myself, open to an infinite source of creativity, and I'm happy.

The New York Times

"The industry needs to stop distracting itself by worrying about the BBC to actually use what it has got - because there's a lot of good stuff in it - to build growth and to demonstrate leadership," she said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

On Thursday, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood reaffirmed his department's commitment to stop distracted driving.

The New York Times

Lampitt says she wants to stop "distracted walking" because it becomes dangerous when crossing roads. New York Daily News.

Vice

If the craving continues for more than 10 minutes and shows no sign of stopping, distract yourself.

WikiHow

I deliberately kept the colours light, to stop them distracting from the character of the outlines.

The Guardian - Books

Stop buying into the schemes of the elite, stop being distracted by their sleight-of-hands, stop being manipulated into believing that an election will change anything, and stop playing a rigged game where you'll always be the loser.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stop distracting" in writing, ensure the context is clear and the recipient understands what specific actions constitute the distraction. Be direct but polite, especially in professional environments.

Common error

Avoid using "stop distracting" in highly formal settings, as it can sound too direct or even rude. Opt for more polite alternatives like "please focus" or "could we return to the matter at hand?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stop distracting" functions as an imperative, directly instructing someone to cease an action that is diverting attention. As Ludwig confirms, it's a usable phrase. Examples show it used to address unwanted conversations or behaviors that hinder concentration.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stop distracting" is a common and grammatically correct imperative used to directly request the cessation of disruptive behavior. According to Ludwig, it is widely used across various contexts, especially in news and media. While effective, it's important to consider the register and adapt the tone based on the relationship with the recipient and the setting. In formal situations, gentler alternatives such as "please focus" or "refrain from distracting" are often more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quit distracting

Emphasizes ending the distracting behavior immediately, adding a sense of impatience.

cease distracting

A more formal way to ask someone to stop distracting, suitable for professional settings.

don't distract

A simple and direct way to tell someone not to distract.

desist from distracting

Highly formal and somewhat archaic, implying a stronger rebuke.

refrain from distracting

Suggests a conscious effort to avoid distracting, rather than an immediate cessation.

avoid distracting

Focuses on preventing the act of distraction, rather than stopping it mid-action.

please focus

Indirectly asks the person to stop distracting by requesting their focus.

stay on task

Encourages maintaining concentration, implying a need to stop distracting others.

concentrate on the matter at hand

A formal way of requesting someone to focus, thereby stopping any distracting behavior.

let's get back to the point

Suggests redirecting attention to the main topic, implicitly asking for distractions to stop.

FAQs

How can I politely use "stop distracting" in a sentence?

To be polite, you can soften the phrase with a "please", for example: "Please, "stop distracting" me, I need to concentrate."

What's a more formal alternative to "stop distracting"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "refrain from distracting" or "could you please focus?"

Is it appropriate to use "stop distracting" in professional emails?

While direct, it can be used if the relationship is established and the context warrants it. Otherwise, gentler alternatives like "please focus" are preferable.

How does "stop distracting" differ from "don't distract"?

"Stop distracting" implies an action already in progress, whereas "don't distract" is a general instruction to avoid the action altogether.