stopped it up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stopped it up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of blocking or sealing something, often in a physical context, such as stopping a leak or preventing flow. Example: "When the pipe started leaking, I quickly found a rag and stopped it up to prevent water from spilling everywhere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

On June 9 a new gap appeared at the Oise: Foch stopped it up again.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Authorities said they were not sure why Mr. Kelley had put sand in a pipe, stopped it up with the scarf and tried to ignite it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Another approach is to drill into the well at an angle and stop it up with concrete; but that will take three months.

The New Yorker

"On a tour, we'll allow 45 minutes for, say, a gelato stop to break it up".

The New York Times - Travel

Try saying something like: "Break it up!", "Stop fighting!" or even "All right!

WikiHow

But that doesn't stop it turning up in our nation's favourite meals.

The Guardian

Lap 48: "Au contraire, spitting in your visor can help stop it fogging up and can be recommended," writes Robert McAllister.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr Hague said it was a "very simple matter" of the government having a duty to retrieve classified information to stop it ending up with the wrong people.

BBC

As the thumb stops it, bring up your pointer finger to catch it from the bottom.

WikiHow

If the person is too angry to stop, it's up to you to make things better for yourself by refusing the urge to shout back.

WikiHow

Once you stopped bringing it up, I stopped bringing it up, and assumed you intuitively understood that I didn't want to pay for it, which I did not.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stopped it up" to describe the action of physically blocking something to prevent flow or passage, particularly when the method is somewhat makeshift or temporary.

Common error

Avoid using "stopped it up" in formal or technical writing; opt for more precise and professional terms like "sealed", "blocked", or "closed" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stopped it up" functions as a phrasal verb, where "stopped" is the verb and "up" is a particle modifying the verb's meaning. It describes the action of blocking or sealing something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

50%

Wiki

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stopped it up" is a grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe the action of blocking or sealing something. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, this phrase is most appropriate in informal contexts, as its usage is relatively uncommon in formal or technical writing. Predominantly found in News & Media and Encyclopedias, it's best employed when describing a physical action of blocking something to prevent flow, often in a temporary or makeshift manner. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "sealed", "blocked", or "closed off".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blocked it off

Focuses on creating a barrier to prevent passage or flow.

sealed it shut

Emphasizes making something airtight or watertight.

plugged it in

Highlights inserting an object to fill a hole or opening.

corked it

Specifically refers to using a cork to seal a container.

closed it off

Implies restricting access or ending a process.

terminated it

Indicates bringing something to an end or conclusion.

halted its progress

Highlights the prevention of further advancement or development.

brought it to a standstill

Focuses on causing something to completely stop moving or functioning.

put an end to it

Emphasizes decisively stopping or finishing something.

prevented its continuation

Highlights the act of stopping something from continuing any further.

FAQs

How can I use "stopped it up" in a sentence?

You can use "stopped it up" to describe physically blocking something, such as "He "stopped it up" with a rag to prevent the leak".

What's a more formal way to say "stopped it up"?

Consider using alternatives like "sealed", "blocked", or "closed off" depending on the specific situation when a more formal tone is required.

Is "stopped it up" grammatically correct?

Yes, "stopped it up" is grammatically correct, although it may sound somewhat informal or colloquial in certain contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

When is it appropriate to use "stopped it up"?

Use "stopped it up" when describing a physical action of blocking something, especially if the method used is temporary or improvised. It's less suitable for formal or technical writing.