they ceased

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they ceased" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a group of people or things has stopped doing something or has come to an end. Example: "After much deliberation, they ceased all operations and decided to close the business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And then, they ceased.

The Guardian - Sport

They ceased making burnt offerings to God.

The New Yorker

In the 15th century they ceased to be inhabited.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If they were helped with preferential programmes, they ceased to strive.

The Economist

The judge's visits became less and less frequent, and finally they ceased altogether.

The New Yorker

They ceased to trust their government, let alone any bridge that crossed into another neighborhood.

The New York Times - Arts

The pulses got shorter as gas clumps got closer to the object, and then they ceased.

The New York Times

If they ceased operations, the additional annual cost to taxpayers would be $13 billion.

The New York Times

The M.O. of that brilliant shrink was eating patients when they ceased to interest him.

The New York Times

Jane used the image of a horse running in wide circles, the circles growing smaller until they ceased.

The New Yorker

After they ceased firing, the troops immediately withdrew from the place, leaving behind the dead and wounded.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to choose the most appropriate synonym. While "they ceased" is often interchangeable with "they stopped", it carries a slightly more formal tone.

Common error

Avoid using "they ceased" in casual or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Simpler alternatives like "they stopped" or "they ended" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they ceased" functions as a verb phrase indicating the termination or cessation of an action or state by a group. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

26%

Less common in

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they ceased" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the ending of an action or state. As affirmed by Ludwig, it functions effectively across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias and scientific literature. While "they stopped" serves as a common alternative, "they ceased" brings a more formal tone suitable for professional or academic writing. When writing, consider your audience and the level of formality to ensure your language is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they stopped

Replaces "ceased" with a more common synonym, maintaining the meaning of termination.

they discontinued

Formally expresses that something has been stopped or terminated.

they ended

Uses a simple and direct synonym for "ceased", indicating a conclusion.

they halted

Implies a sudden or abrupt stop to an action or process.

they terminated

More formal and definitive, suggesting a complete end to something.

they gave up

Indicates abandonment of an effort or activity.

they abandoned

Similar to "gave up" but can also imply physical desertion or neglect.

they desisted

A more formal way of saying they stopped doing something, often implying an objection.

they suspended

Suggests a temporary pause or interruption, not necessarily a permanent end.

they broke off

Indicates a sudden end to a relationship or agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "they ceased" in a sentence?

You can use "they ceased" to indicate that a group stopped doing something. For example: "After the negotiations failed, "they ceased" all communication."

What are some alternatives to "they ceased"?

Alternatives include "they stopped", "they ended", or "they discontinued". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "they ceased" formal or informal?

"They ceased" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "they stopped". It is suitable for professional, academic, or journalistic writing.

What's the difference between "they ceased" and "they stopped"?

While both phrases indicate that an action has ended, "they ceased" carries a slightly more formal and definitive tone compared to the more common and neutral "they stopped".