stop them from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stop them from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea of preventing someone from doing something, e.g. "The police were able to stop them from stealing the car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We'll stop them from original purchase.

The New York Times

What's to stop them from doing that?

Yale University

But that doesn't stop them from trying.

Cornell University

This didn't stop them from registering misgivings.

MIT Technology Review

Would the storm stop them from filming?

The Guardian

"Why stop them from demonstrating their religion?

The Guardian

You can't stop them from traveling".

The New York Times

This didn't stop them from producing some interesting music.

The New York Times

Prison is not going to stop them from begging".

Independent

But they also stop them from seeing the future".

The New Yorker

Set up bird spikes to stop them from coming back.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stop them from", ensure the context clearly identifies who "them" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For instance, specify the group or individuals being prevented from an action.

Common error

Avoid using "stop them from" without a clear antecedent for "them". Ensure the reader knows exactly who is being prevented from performing the action to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stop them from" functions as a verb phrase expressing prevention or obstruction. It indicates an action taken to impede a group's ability to perform a specific activity. This is supported by Ludwig's analysis and numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

15%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stop them from" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating the prevention of an action by a specific group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and adaptable across various contexts. Pay attention to clearly identifying the referent of "them" to avoid ambiguity. While its register leans towards neutral, it remains versatile for both formal and informal communications, appearing predominantly in news and media, academic and wiki contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevent them from

Emphasizes proactive action to impede or avert a specific action.

hinder them from

Suggests an obstacle or impediment that slows down or complicates an action.

restrain them from

Implies a forceful or authoritative constraint to limit freedom or action.

block them from

Indicates a physical or metaphorical barrier that obstructs progress or access.

deter them from

Focuses on discouraging or dissuading someone through fear or doubt.

discourage them from

Suggests influencing someone not to do something, often through advice or disapproval.

inhibit them from

Implies a psychological or social constraint that limits expression or action.

preclude them from

Indicates making something impossible or preventing it from happening.

avert them from

Suggests turning away or preventing something undesirable from occurring.

impede them from

Focuses on obstructing progress, similar to hinder but often more forceful.

FAQs

How can I use "stop them from" in a sentence?

Use "stop them from" to indicate preventing a group or individuals from performing an action. For example, "The new regulations aim to stop them from polluting the river."

What are some alternatives to "stop them from"?

You can use alternatives like "prevent them from", "deter them from", or "hinder them from" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify who "them" refers to when using "stop them from"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying who "them" refers to is crucial for clarity. Without a clear antecedent, the sentence can become ambiguous and confusing.

How does the formality of "stop them from" compare to its alternatives?

"Stop them from" is generally considered neutral in formality. Alternatives like "preclude them from" might be more formal, while others like "block them from" may be more informal depending on the specific usage.