this should be stopped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this should be stopped" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing the opinion that a certain action or situation is undesirable and needs to come to an end. Example: "The ongoing pollution in the river is a serious issue, and this should be stopped immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

All this should be stopped.

The Economist

This should be stopped.

Vice

In an interview to Mojo, Scott-Irvine said "This should be stopped", adding that Denmark Street "should be given full heritage status like Covent Garden Market, Hatton Garden and Savile Row".

Wikipedia

We the children demand that this should be stopped.

Unicef

At the screening, patients will be informed that if they consume large amounts of dietary ginger or additional ginger capsules, as well as any other adjuvant or alternative therapy for nausea and vomiting (excluding prescribed anti-emetic medication), that this should be stopped at least 1 week prior to chemotherapy.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This aid should be stopped immediately.

The New York Times

She concluded, "This bill should be stopped now".

The New York Times

"Our demand is that this war should be stopped," Mr. Karzai said.

The New York Times

"Ultimately, this trend should be stopped, and the government should retreat from the economy — not just from monopolistic areas but also from competitive sectors," he said in an interview.

The New York Times

Before the meeting, he said that this system "should be stopped, and we should check: can the procedures stay as they are?" Mr. Seehofer called the current system, which has been criticized by several European Union nations, "highly unsatisfactory".

The New York Times

Today, the chairman of the Senate armed services committee, Republican Senator John Warner, said he spoke by phone with the programme's director, "and we mutually agreed that this thing should be stopped".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "this should be stopped", ensure that the context clearly identifies what "this" refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "this should be stopped" without a clear antecedent. Always specify what action, trend, or situation you're referring to for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this should be stopped" functions as a directive expressing the speaker's desire for cessation. It's a modal construction indicating necessity or advisability. Ludwig examples show it used across various contexts to halt undesirable actions or situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this should be stopped" is a directive expression used to advocate for the termination of an action or situation. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically sound. While commonly used in News & Media and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various scenarios. To enhance clarity, ensure "this" has a clear antecedent. Alternatives like "this must be discontinued" or "this needs to cease" can add formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

This needs to be prevented

Emphasizes prevention as the desired outcome, shifting focus from immediate cessation.

This has to cease

Uses "cease" for a more formal tone, highlighting the termination of an action.

This must be discontinued

Formal and emphasizes the interruption of an ongoing process.

This is unacceptable and must end

Adds a judgment of "unacceptable", strengthening the call for termination.

This requires immediate action to halt it

Focuses on the urgency and need for action to bring something to a stop.

Steps must be taken to prevent this

Highlights the necessity of preventative measures.

An end must be put to this

Emphasizes the finality of the action needed.

This is something we must stop

Adds a sense of obligation and collective responsibility.

It's crucial to put a stop to this

Highlights the importance and urgency of stopping something.

Action should be taken to stop this

Focuses on the action required to bring about cessation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this should be stopped" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "this must be discontinued" or "this needs to cease". These options often suit professional or academic contexts better.

Is it always clear what "this" refers to in the phrase "this should be stopped"?

No, the clarity of "this" depends heavily on context. To avoid ambiguity, ensure the antecedent is explicitly stated. For example, instead of "This should be stopped", say "the misinformation campaign should be stopped".

What are some less direct ways to say "this should be stopped"?

You could use phrases like "steps must be taken to prevent this" or "this needs to be addressed". These soften the tone while still indicating the need for action.

When is it appropriate to use "this should be stopped" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to express a clear opinion that a particular action, trend, or situation is undesirable and needs to end. However, ensure your writing maintains a professional or neutral tone by considering stronger alternatives like "this requires immediate action".