stopping pace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stopping pace" is not commonly used in written English and may not convey a clear meaning.
It could be interpreted in contexts related to slowing down or halting movement, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "As the race progressed, the runners began to adopt a stopping pace, conserving their energy for the final stretch."

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If you cannot run for 40 minutes without stopping pace yourself to run as long as you can then walk briskly for a short period as a small break.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Douglas stopped pacing.

The New Yorker

He wouldn't stop pacing in his small enclosure.

The New Yorker

Nick stopped pacing to comment: "Edwick's not scared of tornados; he's scared of leprechauns".

The New York Times - Magazine

Suddenly, Burton, who was, as always, dressed in black, stopped pacing.

The New York Times - Magazine

Yusuf stopped pacing the room, and at last called his sons together.His other daughters assembled too, standing silent and cowed at theback of the darkened room.

The New York Times - Books

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — His team was losing by three touchdowns and most of the crowd had gone home Friday when Rutgers Coach Greg Schiano suddenly stopped pacing the sideline, fished a pen out of his pocket and scribbled notes.

The New York Times - Sports

When she finally stopped pacing and sat down in her apartment's one comfortable chair, I went to the refrigerator in the kitchenette to get her something to eat.

The New Yorker

Yes, but wouldn't you rather have the guy who gets hurt than the guy who can't get anybody out?" James stopped pacing and sat down behind his desk, which is next to a small bed — for catnaps and the occasional overnighter.

The New Yorker

As the Diallo verdict was read charge by charge that rainy February evening and it became evident that the four officers would be cleared on every count, Sergeant Brogli was so delighted she felt almost as if she had been personally exonerated, and Derrick was so bitter he could not stop pacing.

The New York Times

I couldn't stop pacing and shaking.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about races or physical activities, consider using "pacing strategy" or "conserving energy" instead of "stopping pace" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "stopping pace" when you mean "taking a break". "Stopping pace" implies a reduction in speed, not necessarily a planned pause. Use "taking a break" when describing deliberate rest periods.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stopping pace" functions primarily as a gerund phrase modifying a noun, indicating a reduction or cessation of speed or progress. Ludwig illustrates this with an example related to running, where it describes adjusting one's speed.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stopping pace" is a grammatically sound but infrequently used phrase that describes a reduction or halt in speed or progress. According to Ludwig, its usage is relatively rare, mainly appearing in news and media or wiki contexts. While understandable, it may sound slightly awkward, and alternatives like "slowing down" or "reducing speed" might be more appropriate in many situations. Consider context and intended meaning when choosing between "stopping pace" and its alternatives to ensure clarity. Despite being uncommon it doesn't violate any grammar rule and can be considered acceptable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decelerating speed

Replaces "stopping" with "decelerating", focusing on the reduction of speed rather than a complete halt.

reducing speed

Similar to decelerating speed, this emphasizes the action of lessening the rate of movement.

slowing tempo

Replaces "pace" with "tempo", suitable when discussing rhythmic or timed activities.

braking speed

Implies a more abrupt or forceful reduction in speed, like applying brakes.

halting rhythm

Focuses on the interruption of a rhythmic pattern, instead of continuous motion.

ceasing velocity

More formal and technical, indicating a complete stop in motion.

discontinuing momentum

Highlights the loss of forward motion or impetus.

pausing rate

Suggests a temporary interruption rather than a full stop.

curtailing momentum

Focuses on the limitation or reduction of momentum.

lessening velocity

Indicates a gradual reduction in speed, often used in scientific contexts.

FAQs

What does "stopping pace" mean?

"Stopping pace" refers to reducing or halting the speed or rate at which something is moving or progressing. It's not a very common phrase, and its meaning can vary depending on the context.

Are there better alternatives to "stopping pace"?

Yes, depending on the context, alternatives like "slowing down", "reducing speed", or "halting rhythm" might be more appropriate.

How can I use "stopping pace" in a sentence?

You can use "stopping pace" to describe a decrease in the rate of activity. For example: "The project experienced a stopping pace due to unforeseen delays."

Is "stopping pace" grammatically correct?

Yes, "stopping pace" is grammatically correct, but it's not a commonly used phrase. It's understandable but may sound slightly awkward to some native English speakers.