stop for a second

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stop for a second" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking someone to pause or take a brief moment to consider something. Example: "Can you stop for a second and think about the consequences of your decision?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Stop for a second".

The New Yorker

"Stop for a second," my husband said.

The New York Times

"Things stop for a second with people like her.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So I'm, like, "Can we stop for a second?" And he's, like, "Just go in this".

The New Yorker

This time, he said, "Stop for a second!" The couple went quiet but continued walking.

The New Yorker

The dish, 9 euros, was small enough that we could stop for a second lunch.

The New York Times - Travel

Let's just stop for a second and admire the brilliance that is Manu Ginobili.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Amazon is now the first stop for a third of all American consumers seeking to buy anything.

The Guardian - Opinion

The main airport is at Entebbe, on Lake Victoria, a much more civilised stop for a first or last night.

The Guardian - Travel

"My heart definitely stopped for a second".

The New York Times - Sports

I stopped for a second.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stop for a second" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the pause, enhancing reader comprehension.

Common error

Avoid using "stop for a second" when a longer pause or more in-depth consideration is required, as it can undermine the importance of the moment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stop for a second" functions primarily as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to briefly halt their current activity. As Ludwig AI explains, it is perfectly correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

HuffPost

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stop for a second" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to request a brief pause or interruption. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and suitable for use in various writing contexts. It is frequently found in News & Media, showing its relevance in journalistic and conversational settings. When writing, remember that while alternatives like "pause briefly" or "hold on a moment" exist, the original phrase is widely accepted and easily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pause briefly

Implies a shorter, more concise interruption than "stop for a second".

hold on a moment

Suggests a temporary suspension, often used when asking someone to wait.

let's take a pause

A more formal way to suggest a break or interruption.

just a moment

Politely requests a brief delay or interruption.

wait a sec

An informal way to ask someone to pause, typically used in casual conversation.

take a quick break

Focuses on a short cessation of activity, suggesting a brief rest.

take a breather

Implies a pause for rest or reflection, not just a momentary stop.

hold everything

Emphasizes an urgent need to stop all ongoing actions.

consider this briefly

Highlights the act of thinking for a short time, emphasizing contemplation.

reflect for a moment

Similar to 'consider', but with more emphasis on internal thought.

FAQs

How can I use "stop for a second" in a sentence?

You can use "stop for a second" to ask someone to pause briefly, as in "Can you "stop for a second" and listen to what I have to say?"

What can I say instead of "stop for a second"?

Alternatives include "pause briefly", "hold on a moment", or "just a moment" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "stop for a second"?

Yes, "stop for a second" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English.

What's the difference between "stop for a second" and "pause for a moment"?

While similar, "stop for a second" implies a very brief interruption, whereas "pause for a moment" may suggest a slightly longer or more contemplative break.