stopped to think

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stopped to think" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a moment of reflection or consideration before taking action or making a decision. Example: "Before responding to the criticism, she stopped to think about her options."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rich stopped to think.

The New Yorker

He stopped to think for a moment.

The New York Times

Then he stopped to think about what to do next.

The Guardian

But have we ever stopped to think why?

The Guardian - Books

Have you ever stopped to think about who has guided you through your life?

Cornell University

"I hadn't stopped to think about how radical vertical filing was.

The New York Times - Books

When everyone stopped to think, what was the surprise in a fashion model behaving badly?

Independent

Anyone who had stopped to think critically should have been very suspicious.

The Economist

The miracle that took place was incredible when I stopped to think about it.

The Washington Post

'Cause I stopped to think what a beard means to me.

The New York Times

And he's never stopped to think much about the nutritional data displayed about the candy.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stopped to think" to clearly indicate a pause for reflection before action or decision. This makes your writing more precise and helps the reader understand the decision-making process.

Common error

Avoid phrasing like "It was stopped to think" as it's grammatically awkward. Instead, use the active voice: "She stopped to think".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stopped to think" functions as a verb phrase indicating a pause for reflection or consideration. Ludwig provides many examples, both exact and similar, showcasing its wide usability. The grammatical construction is straightforward, and Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stopped to think" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a pause for consideration. Ludwig's analysis, backed by numerous examples from diverse and reputable sources, indicates its versatility across various writing styles and contexts. The phrase serves to highlight a moment of reflection before action and is suitable for both formal and informal communication. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness, further solidifying its reliability in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

paused to consider

Focuses more on the act of careful consideration.

took a moment to reflect

Emphasizes internal contemplation and review.

paused for a moment of thought

Highlights the brief duration of the pause.

took time to ponder

Suggests a deeper, more prolonged period of reflection.

took a step back to evaluate

Implies a deliberate distancing to gain perspective.

reflected upon the matter

Formal and indicates a serious contemplation.

considered the implications

Concentrates on the potential consequences.

assessed the situation

Highlights a careful evaluation of circumstances.

contemplated the decision

Focuses on thinking deeply about a choice.

deliberated before acting

Stresses careful thought before taking action.

FAQs

How can I use "stopped to think" in a sentence?

You can use "stopped to think" to describe a pause for consideration, like: "Before answering, she "stopped to think" about the best response."

What are some alternatives to "stopped to think"?

Alternatives include "paused to consider", "took a moment to reflect", or "considered the implications" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "stopped to think about" or just "stopped to think"?

Both are correct, but "stopped to think about" is more specific. "She stopped to think" implies a general reflection, while "She stopped to think about the problem" indicates a specific focus.

What does it mean when someone "stopped to think"?

It signifies that the person paused what they were doing to consciously consider something, weigh options, or reflect on a situation before proceeding.