stopped talking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stopped talking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone has ceased to speak or communicate verbally. Example: "After the argument, she just stopped talking and refused to engage with anyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They stopped talking.

The New Yorker

And he stopped talking.

The New York Times

Suddenly she stopped talking.

The New York Times

Herb stopped talking.

The New Yorker

"But he stopped talking.

The New Yorker

"He stopped talking, too".

The New York Times

Then he stopped talking.

The New Yorker

Marwan had stopped talking.

The New York Times - Magazine

We all stopped talking.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Please stop talking".

The New Yorker

First they stop talking.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase to denote a deliberate pause in conversation for dramatic effect. For example: "He paused, then "stopped talking" abruptly, leaving the room in stunned silence."

Common error

Avoid using "stopped talking" when you mean someone is temporarily pausing to gather their thoughts. Instead, use phrases like "paused" or "hesitated" to indicate a brief interruption rather than a complete cessation of speech.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stopped talking" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the cessation of speech. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing sudden silences, emotional reactions, and interruptions. As Ludwig AI says, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stopped talking" is a versatile and grammatically sound verb phrase used to indicate the cessation of speech. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It frequently appears in news and media sources, serving to describe silences resulting from various causes, from emotional reactions to deliberate pauses. When writing, be mindful of the specific nuance you wish to convey and choose alternative phrases like "ceased speaking" or "fell silent" as needed. Avoid using it when a simple pause is intended, as this can lead to misinterpretations. The phrase is commonly used and easily understood, making it a valuable tool in any writer's arsenal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ceased speaking

More formal alternative emphasizing a complete halt in speaking.

fell silent

Suggests a sudden and often dramatic silence.

halted conversation

Focuses on the interruption of a conversation.

went mute

Implies a complete and possibly prolonged absence of speech.

lapsed into silence

Indicates a gradual transition into a state of quiet.

clammed up

Informal, suggesting reluctance or refusal to speak.

broke off mid-sentence

Describes an abrupt interruption while speaking.

refrained from speaking

Suggests a conscious decision to avoid talking.

cut short the conversation

Emphasizes an abrupt end to a conversation due to some interruption.

shut up

Very informal and can be considered rude; implies a forceful stop to speaking.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "stopped talking"?

You can use alternatives like "ceased speaking", "fell silent", or "went mute" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "stopped talking"?

While grammatically sound, "stopped talking" might not always be the most appropriate choice. If someone only paused briefly, terms like "paused" or "hesitated" are more accurate. If someone refuses to speak, "clammed up" might be more fitting.

How do I use "stopped talking" in a sentence?

You can use "stopped talking" to describe someone who has ceased speaking. For example, "He "stopped talking" when he realized she wasn't listening" or "The noisy diners "stopped talking" when the music started".

What's the difference between "stopped talking" and "avoided talking"?

"Stopped talking" indicates a cessation of speech, while "avoided talking" implies a deliberate effort not to engage in conversation. The former describes an action, the latter describes a behavior.