stop the flow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stop the flow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate the cessation of a process, movement, or stream of something, such as water, information, or communication. Example: "To prevent flooding, we need to stop the flow of water from the river into the streets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hence to hoard or to stop the flow of energy by stopping the flow of money out of our lives mean to stop the flow coming in.

Huffington Post

That could stop the flow of oil.

The New York Times - Science

They have asked Baghdad to stop the flow.

The New York Times

Why is China refusing to stop the flow of fentanyl?

The Washington Post

So how do we stop the flow of those guns?

The Washington Post

"It could stop the flow of foreign capital into Mongolia".

The New York Times

But that did not stop the flow of fish imports.

The New York Times

A law of ecocide will stop the flow of destruction at source.

The Guardian

"It's like you have bridging dams to try and stop the flow," Bahr told me.

The New York Times - Magazine

They also say the country's work to stop the flow is incomplete at best.

The New York Times

Soon we'll probably forbid selfie sticks and tripods, which stop the flow of people.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stop the flow", ensure the context is clear regarding what is being stopped (e.g., "stop the flow" of information, refugees, or money).

Common error

Avoid using "stop the flow" when a more specific verb like 'block', 'halt', or 'curtail' would be more precise and contextually appropriate. Using a more specific verb can prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stop the flow" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where 'stop' is the verb and 'the flow' is the direct object. It describes the action of ceasing or preventing the movement or progression of something, aligning with Ludwig's AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stop the flow" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the act of halting movement or progression. According to Ludwig AI, its versatility makes it suitable for various contexts, though being mindful of the specific nuance you want to convey is crucial for precision. It appears most frequently in news and media, and while applicable in informal settings, maintaining clarity is key. Remember to ensure the context makes it clear what is being stopped. Overall, "stop the flow" is a reliable phrase when used thoughtfully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cease the outflow

Directly indicates stopping the movement of something out of a source or container.

impede the movement

Suggests hindering or obstructing physical movement.

obstruct the passage

Focuses on physically blocking or preventing movement through a specific area or route.

halt the progression

Emphasizes halting gradual development or advancement, rather than just physical movement.

arrest the development

Implies stopping the growth or evolution of something, often used in a negative context.

block the transmission

Highlights preventing something from being passed on or spread, often related to information or diseases.

curtail the advancement

Focuses on limiting or reducing the forward movement or progress of something.

repress the dissemination

Highlights suppressing or preventing the spread of information or ideas.

stanch the tide

Uses a metaphor to represent controlling a large, powerful force or movement, like a wave or flood.

stem the bleeding

Specifically refers to stopping the outflow of blood, but can be metaphorically extended.

FAQs

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

You can use "stop the flow" to describe halting the movement or progression of something. For example, "We need to "stop the flow" of misinformation" or "The dam was built to "stop the flow" of the river during the rainy season".

What's a good alternative to "stop the flow"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "halt the flow", "curtail the flow", or "block the flow".

What's the difference between "stop the flow" and "stem the flow"?

"Stop the flow" is a general term for halting movement. "Stem the flow" often implies controlling or resisting a powerful force or trend, like "stemming the tide".

Is it always appropriate to use "stop the flow"?

While generally correct, ""stop the flow"" might be too general in some contexts. Consider whether a more precise verb, like 'block', 'impede', or 'restrict', would better convey your intended meaning.