stop right there

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stop right there" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to command someone to halt or pause in their actions or speech, often to prevent them from continuing with something undesirable. Example: "Before you make any decisions, stop right there and think about the consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Stop right there, movie!

The Guardian - Film

"Stop right there, please.

The Guardian - Sport

"Stop right there, son," the chief said.

The New York Times

Stop right there, I thought.

The New York Times

"Stop right there," I say.

The New Yorker

Stop right there, my fine fellow.

The Guardian

"Stop right there!" I yelled as I ran.

The New Yorker

And it's tempting to stop right there, and cry foul.

The New York Times

You could stop right there, or include a few more flourishes.

The New York Times - Food

If people stop right there to deal with their shoes and belts, it slows the line.

The Washington Post

"Stop right there," barked the officer stationed next to the X-ray machine at the entrance to 1 Police Plaza.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stop right there" to immediately halt an action or statement, especially when you anticipate an undesirable outcome or continuation.

Common error

Avoid using "stop right there" in highly formal or professional settings where a more polite or indirect phrase would be more appropriate. For example, consider using "let's pause here" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "stop right there" is as an imperative, used to directly command someone to cease their current action or line of speech. Ludwig AI identifies it as a direct way to halt progression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stop right there" is a commonly used imperative phrase to immediately halt an action or speech. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While prevalent in news and media, it's crucial to consider the context, as a more polite phrase may be needed in formal settings. Remember to use it to prevent something undesirable or to interrupt effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hold it right there

More informal and direct, suitable for immediate interruptions.

Don't go any further

Emphasizes preventing advancement, whether physical or figurative.

Cease immediately

More formal and emphatic, often used in official commands.

Halt

A single-word command, most commonly used in military or security contexts.

Stay where you are

Focuses on maintaining the current position.

Do not proceed

Formal and cautionary, advising against further action.

That's far enough

Indicates a limit has been reached, often used in confrontations.

Wait a moment

Politely requests a pause, less forceful than a direct command.

Let's pause here

Suggests a break or reflection point.

Hold your horses

An idiomatic expression advising patience and restraint.

FAQs

How can I use "stop right there" in a sentence?

You can use "stop right there" to interrupt someone or prevent them from continuing an action. For example, "Before you sign that contract, stop right there and read the fine print."

What is a less direct way to say "stop right there"?

Alternatives include "hold on", "wait a moment", or "let's pause here", which are less forceful ways to interrupt or get someone's attention.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "stop right there"?

It's appropriate when you need to immediately halt an action or statement, often to prevent something undesirable. Be mindful of the context, as it can come across as impolite in formal settings.

Is "stop right there" suitable for professional communication?

While grammatically correct, "stop right there" is generally too direct for most professional communications. Consider using phrases like "please hold" or "let's reconsider" in such contexts.