stopped me for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stopped me for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone was halted or interrupted for a specific reason, often in the context of being questioned or detained by law enforcement or for a conversation. Example: "The officer stopped me for speeding on the highway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Or: "One time the police stopped me for speeding.

The Guardian

Two occasions they stopped me for weed; another for not having a bus pass.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Roast rump of lamb with clams stopped me for a moment.

The New York Times - Food

Someone stopped me for a moment, then gave me a once over, and ushered me on.

The New Yorker

This was the first time I'd left the house for five years, so that stopped me for another five.

The Guardian - Music

PEGGY KEILUS Dear Diary: I was walking home in the West Village when a woman stopped me for directions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The release …" Hannah stops me for some reason.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But they can never stop me for standing up for what I believe in".

The New York Times

I thought it was a bruised knee that might stop me for a couple of days".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's always, 'You shouldn't go here; you shouldn't go there.' I can be deported any time a cop stops me for something," she said.

The New York Times - Magazine

I scoot across the lobby, spotting the willowy dental hygienist who has been stopping me for the last 10 years to discuss the memoir she knows she has in her.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stopped me for", ensure the reason is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "The police stopped me for speeding" is clearer than "The police stopped me."

Common error

Avoid using "stopped me for" without specifying the reason. Saying "Someone stopped me for no reason" might be technically correct, but it lacks detail and could be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stopped me for" functions as a verb phrase indicating an interruption or halt caused by someone or something, followed by the reason for that interruption. This is seen in Ludwig examples like "The police stopped me for a random check."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stopped me for" is a grammatically correct and neutrally-registered expression used to indicate the reason for an interruption or halt. Ludwig's analysis confirms its acceptability and provides various examples from reliable sources, primarily in the news and media sector. While not extremely common, it is understood and appropriate in many contexts. When using this phrase, remember to clearly state the reason for the stop to avoid any ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "halted me because of" or "pulled me over for" can be used depending on the specific scenario.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pulled me over for

Specifically refers to being stopped by law enforcement while driving, indicating the reason for the stop.

halted me because of

Focuses on the 'because of' structure to provide the reason for the halt, instead of a general 'for'.

interrupted me on account of

Emphasizes the interruption and gives a more formal reason ('on account of') for the interruption.

detained me due to

Highlights a potential detention situation, explaining what caused it.

called me to a halt for

It provides a slightly more formal, and often commanding, flavor.

flagged me down to

Implies being stopped, often informally, to get attention or assistance.

brought me to a standstill for

Highlights the action that resulted in one to stop moving.

caught up with me for

Suggests someone overtook the speaker with a purpose.

caused me to pause for

Suggests the action made one take a break from what they were doing.

waylaid me to

Suggests an ambush-like encounter with someone.

FAQs

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

Use "stopped me for" to indicate that someone or something caused you to halt your progress for a specific reason. For example, "The customs officer "stopped me for" a random check" or "A stranger "stopped me for" directions".

What are some alternatives to "stopped me for"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "pulled me over for" (if related to a vehicle), "halted me because of", or "interrupted me on account of".

Is it correct to say "stopped me for" in formal writing?

Yes, "stopped me for" is generally acceptable in both formal and informal writing, but consider the specific context. In very formal situations, alternatives like "detained me due to" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "stopped me for" and "stopped me to"?

"Stopped me for" indicates the reason for the stop, while "stopped me to" indicates the purpose of the stop. For instance, "The police "stopped me for" speeding" (reason) versus "The police "stopped me to" ask for directions" (purpose, which is less likely in this context but grammatically valid).