stopped for a while

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stopped for a while" is correct and can be used in written English.
It usually indicates that a certain action or activity was halted, usually for a relatively short period of time. For example: "I stopped for a while to take in the breathtaking view of the sunset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Then we stopped for a while.

The New Yorker

I didn't stop completely, but I stopped for a while completely.

The Guardian - Music

We were delighted when this book barge stopped for a while next to the office.

The Guardian - Books

Morales is unlikely to have his plane stopped for a while, but the airspace issue is tricky.

The New Yorker

Then I stopped for a while and got a job working at the Music & Video Exchange in Notting Hill.

Independent

England, France and Slovakia supporters all stopped for a while and had a kick about with him.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

She stops for a while, reconsiders.

The Guardian - Music

And it did stop for a while.

The New York Times

"I WOULD encourage Congress to stop for a while.

The Economist

"This one isn't stopping for a while".

The New York Times

Pregnancy got her to stop for a while.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stopped for a while" to clearly indicate a temporary pause in an activity, ensuring the context implies a return to the activity later. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity about the duration of the interruption.

Common error

Avoid using "stopped for a while" when you intend to convey that something has ended permanently. Instead, opt for phrases like "ceased altogether" or "ended completely" to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stopped for a while" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a temporary cessation of an action or state. It modifies the verb by specifying the duration of the pause, as seen in Ludwig examples where activities like rain, bombing, or work are interrupted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stopped for a while" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate a temporary pause in an activity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reliable sources. It's generally neutral in register, making it suitable for various contexts, though awareness of nuances is helpful for clarity. When writing, ensure you use it to describe actions that are temporarily paused, not permanently ended. Alternatives like ""paused briefly"" or "took a break" can offer slightly different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

paused briefly

Emphasizes a short interruption.

halted temporarily

Suggests a more formal or planned suspension.

took a break

Indicates a deliberate interruption for rest or refreshment.

interrupted briefly

Focuses on the act of breaking the continuity.

ceased momentarily

Implies a very short duration of stopping.

suspended for a bit

Similar to 'halted temporarily' but more casual.

desisted for a moment

Suggests a voluntary stopping, often from something undesirable.

broke for a spell

Uses 'spell' to denote a short period of time.

took a breather

Specifically refers to stopping to catch one's breath or relax.

knocked off for a period

Knocked off suggests stopping work, especially at the end of the day.

FAQs

What does "stopped for a while" mean?

The phrase "stopped for a while" indicates a temporary pause or cessation of an action or activity. It implies that the action was interrupted but is expected to resume later.

How can I use "stopped for a while" in a sentence?

You can use "stopped for a while" to describe any situation where something is temporarily paused. For example: "The rain "paused briefly", then started again."

What can I say instead of "stopped for a while"?

You can use alternatives like ""paused briefly"", "took a break", or "halted temporarily" depending on the context.

Is "stopped for a while" formal or informal?

"Stopped for a while" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "halted temporarily".