stop the car

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stop the car" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when giving a command or instruction to halt a vehicle. Example: "As we approached the red light, I shouted, 'Stop the car!' to the driver."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Stop the car — I'll walk".

The New Yorker

"Stop the car," Altman said.

The New Yorker

She said, "Stop the car".

The New Yorker

Slimane had the driver stop the car.

The New Yorker

"Stop the car -- I'm driving".

The New York Times

"Stop the car," I said.

The New Yorker

"Please stop the car," Hayley said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Shlomo stopped the car.

The New Yorker

He stopped the car.

The New York Times - Travel

Henry stopped the car.

The Guardian - Books

I stopped the car.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stop the car" in dialogue, consider the character's tone and the urgency of the situation. The phrase can convey a range of emotions, from mild surprise to extreme panic.

Common error

Avoid using "stop the car" when a more nuanced instruction is needed, such as "pull over to the shoulder" or "park in the designated area". Using the correct phrase depends on the situation and the intended outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stop the car" functions primarily as an imperative, directly instructing someone to cease driving and bring the vehicle to a halt. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a common and acceptable command. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various narrative and real-life situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

11%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stop the car" is a common and grammatically sound imperative used to instruct someone to halt a vehicle. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and applicable across various contexts, predominantly in news and media as shown in the examples. Its directness makes it suitable for scenarios requiring immediate action. While alternatives like "pull over" exist, "stop the car" emphasizes an abrupt halt. When writing, consider the urgency and tone you wish to convey. Using similar sentence examples and by avoiding misinterpreting the specific context, you can master the phrase and its use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Pull over

Implies moving to the side of the road rather than stopping immediately.

Halt the vehicle

More formal and technical, suitable for official or emergency contexts.

Bring the car to a standstill

Emphasizes a complete stop, possibly from a higher speed.

Stop right now

Adds urgency, implying immediate danger or necessity.

Come to a stop

Asks to initiate the action of gradually stopping the car.

Cease driving

Very formal and less common, suggesting a permanent end to driving.

Cut the engine

Focuses on the mechanical action, useful if engine control is the issue.

Bring it to a halt

More generic, can apply to various moving objects besides a car.

Park the car

Suggests stopping for a longer period, usually in a designated area.

Brake

A very brief command to activate the car brakes.

FAQs

How can I use "stop the car" in a sentence?

The phrase "stop the car" is typically used as a direct command. For example, "As we approached the intersection, I yelled, 'Stop the car!'"

What can I say instead of "stop the car"?

You can use alternatives like "pull over", "halt the vehicle", or "bring the car to a standstill" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "stop the car"?

The phrase "stop the car" is appropriate when you need the driver to immediately halt the vehicle, often due to an unexpected situation or urgent need.

Is there a difference between "stop the car" and "pull over"?

Yes, "stop the car" generally implies an immediate and complete halt, while "pull over" suggests moving to the side of the road in a controlled manner.