to stop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to stop" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts where you want to indicate the action of ceasing or halting something. Example: "I need to stop procrastinating and start working on my project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You need to stop.

The New York Times

He wanted to stop.

The Economist

You've got to stop".

The New York Times

"It's got to stop.

Independent

To stop killing?

The New Yorker

It has to stop".

The New York Times - Sports

It needs to stop.

The New York Times

To stop the abuse?

The New York Times

Want to stop cheating?

The New York Times

Practice seemed to stop.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're going to stop.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to stop" when you want to clearly and directly indicate the cessation of an action or movement. It's versatile and appropriate for a wide range of contexts.

Common error

While "to stop" is widely understood, consider using more formal alternatives like "to cease" or "to discontinue" in academic or professional contexts to enhance the tone and precision of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to stop" primarily functions as a verb, indicating the action of ceasing or halting. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered grammatically correct. It can also function as part of a noun phrase, such as "a need to stop."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

23%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the infinitive phrase "to stop" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to indicate the cessation of an action or movement. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. It is frequently found in News & Media, Wiki and Science contexts. While suitable for various registers, consider more formal alternatives like "to cease" in academic or professional settings to elevate the tone. Remember to use "to stop" directly and clearly when aiming to halt or discontinue a particular activity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to cease

Focuses on formally ending an action or state.

to discontinue

Emphasizes interrupting a series of actions or events.

to halt

Implies a sudden or abrupt cessation.

to terminate

Suggests a formal or definitive end.

to end

A general term for bringing something to a conclusion.

to quit

Implies giving up or ceasing an activity, often voluntarily.

to break off

Suggests an abrupt or forced interruption.

to hold back

Indicates restraining oneself or another from continuing.

to refrain from

Implies consciously abstaining from an action.

to give up

Suggests abandoning an effort or activity.

FAQs

What are some common synonyms for "to stop"?

Common synonyms include "to cease", "to halt", "to end", and "to discontinue". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How can I use "to stop" in a sentence?

You can use "to stop" in various ways, such as "I need to stop eating so much sugar" or "The car came to a stop at the intersection."

Which is more formal, "to stop" or "to cease"?

"To cease" is generally considered more formal than "to stop". Use "to cease" in more formal writing or speaking contexts.

What is the difference between "to stop" and "to pause"?

"To stop" implies a complete cessation of an action, while "to pause" suggests a temporary interruption, with the intention of resuming later.