stops speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stops speaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has ceased to talk or communicate verbally. Example: "During the meeting, she suddenly stops speaking, leaving everyone in silence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Finally, Raami stops speaking.

The New York Times - Books

For a moment he stops speaking.

The Guardian

At this point, the Grand Inquisitor stops speaking.

The New York Times

She stops speaking and eating; eventually, she's hospitalized.

The New Yorker

She also mocks her and, for long periods, stops speaking to her.

The New Yorker

She stops speaking in the first person when she talks about difficult subjects.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Friends have stopped speaking.

The New York Times

WHY did he stop speaking?

The New York Times

Hermann stopped speaking to him.

The New Yorker

She stopped speaking and eating.

The New York Times

She had stopped speaking.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stops speaking" to clearly indicate a pause or complete cessation of verbal communication by a person or character in your writing.

Common error

Avoid assuming that when someone "stops speaking", they are necessarily passive or compliant. Silence can be a powerful form of communication, reflecting contemplation, defiance, or emotional distress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stops speaking" functions as a verb phrase indicating the cessation of the act of speaking. It's used to describe a moment when someone either pauses or completely ceases verbal communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stops speaking" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that clearly indicates the cessation of verbal communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and utilized across various contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal writing. While there might be subtle differences in connotation when compared to alternatives like "falls silent" or "ceases talking", "stops speaking" serves as a straightforward and effective way to describe the act of someone halting their speech. Remember to consider the surrounding context to ensure the chosen phrase accurately reflects the intended meaning and emotional undertones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ceases talking

A more formal alternative to "stops speaking", emphasizing a deliberate end to conversation.

halts speech

A more formal and abrupt way of indicating the cessation of speaking.

becomes speechless

Indicates being unable to speak because of surprise, awe, or strong emotion.

falls silent

Implies a sudden onset of silence, often due to shock or contemplation.

remains silent

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the silence, suggesting a deliberate choice.

goes mute

Suggests a temporary or permanent inability to speak, sometimes due to a medical condition or trauma.

lapses into silence

Suggests a gradual transition into a state of quiet, potentially after a period of activity.

refuses to speak

Indicates a conscious decision to withhold speech, often as a form of protest or resistance.

cuts off communication

Highlights the severance of any form of communication, not just verbal.

breaks off mid-sentence

Indicates an abrupt interruption of speech, often due to emotion or external factors.

FAQs

How can I use "stops speaking" in a sentence?

You can use "stops speaking" to describe someone who has paused or completely ceased talking. For example, "He "stops speaking" abruptly, leaving the room in stunned silence."

What are some alternatives to "stops speaking"?

Alternatives include "falls silent", "ceases talking", or "becomes speechless" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "stops speaking" or "stops talking"?

Both "stops speaking" and "stops talking" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "Stops speaking" might be perceived as slightly more formal, while "stops talking" is more common in everyday conversation. It depends on the context and the desired tone.

What does it imply when someone abruptly "stops speaking"?

When someone abruptly "stops speaking", it can imply a range of emotions or situations, such as surprise, shock, disagreement, or a deliberate attempt to avoid further conversation. The context usually provides the best clues.