this could be stopped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this could be stopped" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation or action that has the potential to be halted or prevented. Example: "If we take immediate action, this could be stopped before it escalates further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

If staff had the right training and knew the reasonable adjustments disabled people need, this could be stopped.

The Guardian

If all this could be stopped by a few bombs now, they would be bombs well dropped.An ante for the status quoUnfortunately, it is unlikely that a few, or even many, bombs would be enough.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Intimate partner violence accounts for approximately 15percentt of violent crime, but this study suggests some of that could be stopped with different disciplinary methods.

Huffington Post

All of this violence could be stopped if the country had the will.

The New York Times

Standing at the precipice, staring into the thick black mineral vein, I find it difficult to envisage how an enterprise of this magnitude could be stopped, and what could take its place.

The New York Times

We also determined that this growth could be stopped by apoptosis of the macrophage (which occurred with a certain probability, also obtained from experimental data[74], [79]), a mechanism that we considered could be triggered once the number of bacilli had reached 16.

Plosone

This time it could be stopped only by two of his aides.

The New York Times

As it happens, the Federal Trade Commission has been pondering that very question, and last year it started a competition, inviting citizens to submit ideas about how this perpetual nuisance could be stopped.

The New York Times

"All this raw sewage could be stopped if the train companies invested in a proper sewage system [to] take the sewage off the trains before the trains come in".

BBC

The questions whether this local propagation could be stopped by taking additional measures (e.g. pre-emptive slaughter or emergency vaccination), and if so, what is the minimum of effort required, are left for future work.

BMC Veterinary Research

Although bird strikes caused no civilian deaths in America last year, that country's Federal Aviation Administration estimates that they cost its airline industry $385m.The days when people thought that this sort of thing could be stopped with a scarecrow and a few firecrackers are long gone.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "this could be stopped", ensure that the context clearly indicates what "this" refers to. Providing specific details enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "this could be stopped" without clearly defining what "this" represents. Ambiguous references can confuse readers and weaken the impact of your message. Provide clear context or specify the subject to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this could be stopped" functions as a statement indicating the potential for an action or event to be halted. Ludwig examples illustrate its usage in contexts ranging from preventing unnecessary deaths to stopping violence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this could be stopped" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as validated by Ludwig AI. It serves to communicate the possibility of preventing or halting an action or event, commonly found in both news and scientific contexts. To ensure clear and effective communication, it's crucial to provide specific context for what "this" refers to. Alternatives like "this is preventable" or "this can be prevented" offer similar meanings, and the choice should align with the specific nuance desired. The phrase is versatile and useful across various communication styles, making it a valuable addition to one's linguistic toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is preventable

Emphasizes the preventability aspect, focusing on the inherent possibility of avoiding something.

this is avoidable

Highlights the capability to avoid a situation, shifting focus to evasion.

this can be prevented

Uses a more direct and assertive tone, stressing the ability to prevent something.

this may be averted

Suggests a more formal and sophisticated approach to preventing something, often implying danger.

this is able to be halted

Focuses on halting or bringing something to a stop, emphasizing the action of stopping.

this might be discontinued

Implies cessation or termination, suitable when discussing ongoing processes or treatments.

this is subject to cessation

A more formal and technical way of saying something can be stopped, suitable for regulatory or medical contexts.

measures can be taken to prevent this

Shifts the focus to the actions one can take, emphasizing proactive prevention.

this scenario is avoidable

Specifically addresses a situation or scenario that can be avoided.

interventions can prevent this

Highlights the role of interventions in averting a particular outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "this could be stopped" in a sentence?

Use "this could be stopped" to suggest that an action, situation, or trend is preventable. For example, "If we implement better safety measures, "this could be stopped" before it causes serious harm."

What are some alternatives to "this could be stopped"?

You can use alternatives like "this is preventable", "this is avoidable", or "this can be prevented" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "this could be stopped" or "this can be stopped"?

Both "this could be stopped" and "this can be stopped" are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different nuances. "Could" implies a possibility, while "can" suggests a capability or general truth. The choice depends on the specific context and the intended emphasis.

What does "averted" mean and how does it compare to "this could be stopped"?

"Averted" means to turn away or prevent something from happening. Saying "this may be averted" is a more formal way of saying "this could be stopped", often implying the prevention of something dangerous or undesirable.