stop him from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stop him from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing preventing someone from doing something or taking a specific action. Example: "I need to stop him from making that mistake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We cannot stop him from doing that".

Independent

Who could stop him from doing that?

Yale University

But that didn't stop him from trying.

The New York Times

You cannot stop him from playing golf".

The New York Times

Unfortunately, that didn't stop him from trying.

The New York Times - Arts

But that didn't stop him from acting.

The New Yorker

The feeling would not stop him from trying to help.

The New York Times

The presumption doesn't stop him from flirting with Del Rey.

The New York Times

It did not stop him from gulping it down.

The New York Times - Food

That didn't stop him from calling himself a doctor.

The New Yorker

"You're not going to stop him from doing it".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stop him from", ensure the sentence clearly identifies both the person being stopped and the action they are being prevented from doing. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "stop him from" when a softer approach like influencing or advising is more appropriate. "Stop" implies direct intervention, which might not always be the best course of action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stop him from" functions as a verb phrase followed by a prepositional phrase, indicating an action to prevent someone from performing a specific activity. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, all aimed at preventing a particular action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stop him from" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate the prevention of an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across varied contexts. While it maintains a generally neutral register, substituting it with phrases like "prevent him from" or "hinder him from" can refine your writing style. Remember to clearly specify the actor and the action to avoid ambiguity, and consider the level of directness needed for your audience. Being mindful of these nuances allows you to use "stop him from" effectively and appropriately in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevent him from

Focuses on proactively hindering an action.

hinder him from

Implies creating obstacles or difficulties.

deter him from

Suggests discouraging someone through fear or doubt.

restrain him from

Indicates holding someone back, often physically or legally.

prohibit him from

Emphasizes a formal ban or legal restriction.

block him from

Implies creating a physical or figurative barrier.

obstruct him from

Suggests impeding progress or making something difficult.

impede him from

Similar to 'obstruct', but can also imply slowing someone down.

inhibit him from

Suggests a psychological or internal barrier.

dissuade him from

Focuses on convincing someone not to do something.

FAQs

What's a good alternative to "stop him from"?

Depending on the context, you could use "prevent him from", "hinder him from", or "deter him from". Each option has slightly different connotations.

How do I use "stop him from" correctly in a sentence?

Ensure your sentence clearly states who is being stopped and what action they are being stopped from doing. For example, "We need to stop him from signing that contract."

Is it too direct to use "stop him from" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "stop him from" can sound somewhat direct. In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "prevent him from" or "restrain him from" to maintain a more professional tone.

What is the difference between "stop him from" and "prevent him from"?

While similar, "stop him from" often implies a more immediate or forceful intervention, while "prevent him from" suggests a more proactive measure taken to avoid something happening in the first place.