stops suddenly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stops suddenly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an abrupt cessation of movement or action, often in a dramatic or unexpected context. Example: "The car stops suddenly, causing the passengers to lurch forward in their seats."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

And she stops, suddenly sheepish.

The Guardian

Until the car stops suddenly outside the hotel, I'm speechless.

The New York Times - Travel

I would never leave my kids.'" He stops suddenly.

The Guardian - Business

The story opens with Bradley's brother, Sterne, rear-ending a car that stops suddenly in front of him.

The New Yorker

He slides and then stops suddenly, and then scissors his feet as if to start some variant of salsa dancing.

The New Yorker

Each is different but there is a harmony of style which stops suddenly if you turn into Ebräerstrasse (Hebrew Street).

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

He stopped suddenly.

The New Yorker

Yábar stopped suddenly.

The New York Times - Sports

Rain fell abundantly and then stopped suddenly.

The New Yorker

Mysty stopped suddenly, said, Do you know what?

The New Yorker

She saw my face, stopped suddenly, then burst into giggles.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stops suddenly" to create a sense of urgency or surprise in your writing. It's effective for highlighting unexpected events or changes in pace.

Common error

Avoid using "stops suddenly" multiple times in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "halts abruptly" or "ceases unexpectedly" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stops suddenly" functions as a verb phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe an action. Ludwig AI shows it’s used to emphasize the unexpected and abrupt cessation of movement or activity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stops suddenly" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to convey an abrupt halt. According to Ludwig, this phrase appears across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general narratives. Its versatility makes it suitable for various writing styles, from formal reports to informal storytelling. While generally correct, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider synonyms such as "halts abruptly" or "ceases unexpectedly" for enhanced writing clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

halts abruptly

Emphasizes a more formal or controlled stop.

ceases abruptly

Highlights the termination of an action or process with suddenness.

comes to an abrupt halt

Adds emphasis to the suddenness and completeness of the stop.

abruptly ceases

Inverts the original phrase while maintaining the core meaning.

instantaneously ceases

Stresses the immediacy and lack of transition in the stopping action.

grinds to a halt

Suggests a forceful or resisted stop, often with mechanical implications.

terminates unexpectedly

Highlights the unexpected nature of the termination.

pauses unexpectedly

Shifts the focus to an unexpected pause, implying a temporary stop.

breaks off sharply

Indicates a sudden and distinct termination, often in speech or action.

is cut short

Implies an external force causing the sudden stop.

FAQs

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

The phrase "stops suddenly" is used to describe an abrupt cessation of movement or action. For example: "The car "stops suddenly", causing the driver to spill their coffee."

What are some alternatives to "stops suddenly"?

Alternatives include "halts abruptly", "ceases abruptly", or "comes to an abrupt halt". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "stops suddenly" since stopping implies a sudden action?

While "stop" can imply suddenness, adding "suddenly" emphasizes the unexpected or abrupt nature of the stop. It's not always redundant and can strengthen the description.

What's the difference between "stops suddenly" and "pauses unexpectedly"?

"Stops suddenly" implies a complete cessation of movement or action, while "pauses unexpectedly" suggests a temporary interruption. The former is more definitive, while the latter leaves room for resumption.