stopped working

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stopped working" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that an object or system has unexpectedly ceased to operate. For example, "My computer stopped working suddenly, so I had to buy a new one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She stopped working.

The New York Times

Mr. Rizzo never stopped working.

The New York Times

But eventually that stopped working.

Independent

He stopped working in 1912.

The New Yorker

All of that stopped working.

The Guardian

Devastated, the parents stopped working.

The New York Times

"We haven't stopped working.

The Guardian - Business

Crucial machines stopped working.

The New York Times

She never stopped working.

The Guardian

His mother stopped working.

The New York Times - Sports

The muscles stopped working".

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or system that has "stopped working", be specific about what aspect has failed. For example, instead of saying "the system stopped working", specify "the data processing module stopped working".

Common error

Avoid using "stopped working" as a catch-all phrase. If possible, identify the specific cause of the malfunction or cessation. For example, instead of "the application stopped working", specify "the application crashed due to a memory leak".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stopped working" functions as a verb phrase indicating the cessation of an activity or operational state. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correctly used in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stopped working" is a common and versatile verb phrase used to describe the cessation of functionality in a wide range of contexts. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for general use. While it is primarily found in news and media, its neutral register makes it suitable for various communication styles. For more formal or technical settings, alternatives like "ceased to function" or "became inoperative" might be preferred. It's important to be specific about what "stopped working" to avoid vagueness, as clear communication is always crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ceased to function

Replaces "stopped working" with a more formal and technical tone, focusing on the functionality aspect.

failed to operate

Similar to "ceased to function", this alternative emphasizes the failure of an object or system to perform its intended action.

became inoperative

A more formal substitute, highlighting the state of being not operational.

quit functioning

A slightly less formal way of saying "stopped working", maintaining a focus on the functionality.

broke down

Implies a sudden and often unexpected cessation of function, especially for mechanical devices.

malfunctioned

Suggests that something is not working correctly, possibly due to a specific fault.

went out of order

A common expression for something that is temporarily not working, often due to a specific issue.

no longer functions

Emphasizes the duration of inactivity and clarifies that the function has been lost.

ceased activity

A more general alternative focusing on the halt of any kind of activity, not just mechanical or technical functions.

gave out

Suggests that something has reached the end of its lifespan or capacity and can no longer function.

FAQs

What does "stopped working" mean?

The phrase "stopped working" means that something has ceased to function or operate correctly. It indicates that an object, system, or person is no longer performing its intended task.

How can I use "stopped working" in a sentence?

You can use "stopped working" in a sentence to describe anything that has ceased to function. For instance, "My computer "stopped working" this morning", or "The printer "stopped working" during the presentation".

What are some alternative ways to say "stopped working"?

Alternatives to "stopped working" include "ceased to function", "broke down", "malfunctioned", or "became inoperative" depending on the context.

Is "stopped working" formal or informal?

"Stopped working" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more technical or formal alternatives like "ceased to function" might be preferred in highly formal settings.