stop joking

USAGE SUMMARY

"stop joking" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used as a command or request for someone to stop making jokes. Example: "I know you're trying to lighten the mood, but these are serious matters. Please, stop joking." Another example could be in a more casual conversation: Person 1: "I can't believe you ate a whole pizza by yourself!" Person 2: "Hey, I was really hungry." Person 1: "Stop joking! That's impossible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"Stop joking," I said.

The New York Times

While sympathy isn't one of our greatest attributes, we do know when to stop joking.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And still, when the popular ringleaders of his tribe decided that he was unfunny and dorky, he couldn't stop joking.

The New York Times - Magazine

"At some point we will stop joking about it and become afraid," one of the men says.

The New York Times - Books

Jellon is warned to stop joking lest he cop a bullet to the head, to which the jolly rambler responds "no finer race has ever peeled a potato".

The Guardian - Film

(He later told detectives that he and his colleagues talked so much "garbage to one another" that they developed a safe word, "china," so that they would know when to stop joking).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

("The real question is not why did she do it, but why did she stop?" jokes one Republican).

The Economist

Afterward, Sal stopped joking around on the bus.

The New Yorker

The middle class has stopped joking about homosexuals, and the language of homophobia is ebbing away".

Independent

In subsequent forums, he stopped joking and repeatedly said eradication was his organization's goal.

The New York Times - Health

"Still here, Captain?" "Well, Colonel, I thought by this time you'd be God knows where?" After a while, when they kept on meeting at the Mayflower, they stopped joking about still being in Washington.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stop joking" when you want someone to immediately cease making jokes, especially if the situation requires seriousness or the humor is inappropriate. Ensure your tone is clear to avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "stop joking" in highly formal or professional settings where a more polite or indirect request would be more appropriate. Instead, opt for phrases like "I'd appreciate it if we could focus on the matter at hand" or "Perhaps we can return to this later."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stop joking" functions primarily as an imperative, directly instructing or requesting someone to cease making jokes. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a standard and usable command in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stop joking" serves as a direct and commonly used imperative to cease humorous behavior. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it is grammatically correct and appropriate in various situations where seriousness is required. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider the context and your relationship with the person to avoid unintended offense. When a more polite alternative is needed, consider phrases like "be serious" or "no more jokes". Authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrate its widespread use in news and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

No more jokes

Directly states that jokes should cease.

Quit kidding

Uses "kidding" instead of "joking", implying a playful or teasing context.

Don't be funny

Challenges the appropriateness of the humor in the situation.

Stop fooling around

Similar to "stop kidding", but can also include other types of non-serious behavior.

Be serious

Shifts the focus from humor to the need for seriousness.

I'm serious

Emphasizes the speaker's sincerity and the need to stop joking.

Get real

Implies a need to abandon frivolous behavior and face reality.

Cut it out

A more general phrase to stop an annoying behavior, which can include joking.

That's not funny

Indicates that a specific joke or comment was inappropriate or unwelcome.

Enough is enough

Suggests that the joking has gone on for too long and needs to end.

FAQs

What does "stop joking" mean?

The phrase "stop joking" is a direct command or request for someone to cease making jokes. It implies that the humor is either inappropriate, disruptive, or unwanted in the current context.

When is it appropriate to say "stop joking"?

It's appropriate to say "stop joking" when the situation requires seriousness, when the humor is offensive or disruptive, or when you simply want someone to be more serious. Consider the context and your relationship with the person before using this phrase.

What can I say instead of "stop joking"?

You can use alternatives like "be serious", "quit kidding", or "no more jokes" depending on the context.

Is "stop joking" considered rude?

The perceived rudeness of "stop joking" depends on the tone and context. If said in a harsh or condescending tone, it can be rude. However, if said calmly and clearly, it can be an effective way to set boundaries and maintain a serious atmosphere.