stopped doing it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stopped doing it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone has ceased a particular action or behavior. Example: "After realizing the negative impact on his health, he stopped doing it and focused on a healthier lifestyle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I stopped doing it.

The New York Times - Sports

We stopped doing it".

The New York Times - Sports

She stopped doing it after that.

The New Yorker

And they stopped doing it.

The New Yorker

That's why I stopped doing it.

The Guardian

So some countries never stopped doing it at all.

Cornell University

They stopped doing it, but Amy never really stopped.

The Guardian - Music

"I've heard them for 58 years – they've stopped doing it".

Independent

Why has everyone pretty much stopped doing it?

The Guardian - Film

I stopped doing it because I got so disappointed".

The Guardian - Music

Hicks by death; Morris, because he just stopped doing it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you "stopped doing it", make sure the tense of the sentence aligns with the context of when the action was ceased.

Common error

Avoid using "stopped doing it" without a clear antecedent for "it". Ensure the reader knows exactly what action you're referring to. If it is not immediately obvious, rephrase the sentence for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stopped doing it" functions as a verb phrase indicating the termination of a specific action or behavior. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The examples show its use across various contexts, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stopped doing it" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to indicate the cessation of an action or behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and frequently used across diverse contexts, primarily in news and media. While direct and straightforward, clarity is crucial; ensure the antecedent of "it" is unambiguous. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "ceased to do it", or "discontinued the practice". Understanding these nuances ensures effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quit doing it

More casual way to express stopping an action, often implies a voluntary decision.

ceased to do it

More formal and emphatic way to say that something was stopped.

gave it up

Implies relinquishing a habit or activity, often due to difficulty or lack of interest.

discontinued the practice

Formal way to indicate stopping a custom, habit, or regular activity.

put an end to it

Emphasizes the finality and decisiveness of stopping something.

no longer engaged in it

Formal way to state that one is not participating in something anymore.

halted the activity

Indicates a sudden or abrupt stop to a process or action.

refrained from doing it

Highlights the conscious effort to avoid doing something.

terminated the process

Formal and specific to stopping a defined procedure or system.

desisted from it

Formal and less common way to express ceasing an action.

FAQs

What are some casual ways to say "stopped doing it"?

You can use phrases like "quit doing it" or "gave it up" depending on the context.

Is "stopped doing it" grammatically correct?

Yes, "stopped doing it" is grammatically correct and widely used in English. It's a common way to express the cessation of an action.

What are more formal alternatives to "stopped doing it"?

Consider using phrases like "ceased to do it", "discontinued the practice", or "no longer engaged in it" for a more formal tone.

How can I make sure my sentence using "stopped doing it" is clear?

Ensure that the "it" has a clear and immediate reference in the context. If the reader might be unsure what "it" refers to, rephrase the sentence to be more specific.