stopped using

USAGE SUMMARY

'stopped using' is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used when describing the action of ceasing to use something or stopping a habit. You can use it in any sentence where the subject has stopped using something, whether it be a physical object or a behavior. Example: I stopped using my old laptop and switched to a newer model. After her doctor's recommendation, she stopped using sugar in her coffee. He stopped using his phone during meals to spend more quality time with his family.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He stopped using heroin.

The New Yorker

Danny stopped using his too.

The New York Times - Books

I stopped using film almost immediately.

The New Yorker

Ultimately, the firm stopped using asbestos".

Independent

He had never stopped using it.

The New York Times

I stopped using that right away.

The New York Times

It has since stopped using the pallets.

The New York Times

Obviously, I stopped using that stuff.

The New York Times - Sports

So have I stopped using cookbooks?

Independent

I have now stopped using permanent colourant.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We've stopped using bleach altogether," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the verb 'stop' is conjugated correctly to match the subject and tense of your sentence, as seen in Ludwig examples like 'He stopped using' or 'We've stopped using'.

Common error

Do not confuse "stopped using" with "stopped to use". The former means you ended the activity of using something, while the latter means you paused a different activity in order to begin using something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stopped using" functions as a transitive verb phrase where 'stopped' is the primary finite verb (past tense) and 'using' is a gerund acting as the direct object. This specific pattern, known as verb + gerund, is standard for verbs of cessation in English. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is common and correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Social Media

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stopped using" is a versatile and highly common expression in English. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used across all major publication types. Whether you are describing a personal lifestyle change, like someone who "stopped using" social media, or a corporate policy shift, such as a company that "stopped using" specific chemicals, the phrase remains the most natural way to express cessation. It is important to distinguish it from the purposive infinitive "stopped to use" to avoid meaning errors. Given its high frequency in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, it is a safe and effective choice for both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discontinued using

Suggests a more formal or deliberate decision, often used in business, manufacturing, or medicine

ceased to use

More formal and definitive, often appearing in literature or official reports

quit using

Direct and slightly more informal, frequently applied to substances or software

gave up

Commonly used for habits or addictions, carrying a slightly more personal or colloquial tone

halted the use of

Implies a sudden or strategic stop, often in response to an external event

abandoned the use of

Emphasizes a complete and often permanent departure from a previous practice

stopped utilizing

Uses a more complex verb to sound more professional or technical

no longer used

Describes the state of something not being in use rather than the action of stopping

terminated the use of

Highly formal and often legalistic, suggesting a permanent end to a contract or service

refrained from using

Suggests a conscious choice to avoid using something, often for ethical or health reasons

FAQs

How to use "stopped using" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe ending a habit or the use of a tool. For example: "The company "stopped using" plastic straws last year."

What can I say instead of "stopped using"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "discontinued using", "ceased to use", or "quit using".

Is it "stopped using" or "stopped to use"?

Both are correct but mean different things. Use "stopped using" when you want to say you no longer use something. Use ""stopped to use"" if you mean you stopped walking (or another activity) specifically to use something.

Is "stopped using" formal enough for business reports?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable, though you might prefer "discontinued the use of" for a highly formal tone.