to stop immediately

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to stop immediately" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when giving urgent instructions or commands that require instant action. Example: "If you notice any suspicious activity, you are required to stop immediately and report it to the authorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Make it clear to everyone, it's got to stop immediately".

The New Yorker

"We were told to stop immediately," he said by phone.

The New York Times

Mr Davutoglu repeated calls for operations in the area to stop immediately.

Independent

They have an announcement that all traffic in the flight line is to stop immediately.

The New Yorker

Governor Calderón repudiated that agreement in January, saying she wanted the bombing to stop immediately.

The New York Times

The US Food and Drug Administration called it industrial bleach and urged anyone using it to stop immediately.

The Guardian

But my doctors, who hadn't known about my do-it-yourself marathon training regimen, ordered me to stop immediately and to go back on bed rest.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

If stadium security, police, or any similar officials tell you to stop, stop immediately.

WikiHow

If someone tells you to stop, stop immediately, or you might get reported.

WikiHow

If you realize you are going to far, stop immediately at being Poison Ivy.

WikiHow

If, even with the glue gun on low, the plastic hanger starts to melt, stop immediately!

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to stop immediately" when you need to convey a sense of urgency and demand instant action. This phrase is suitable for instructions, commands, and warnings where any delay could have negative consequences.

Common error

While "to stop immediately" is generally correct, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "stop now" or "cut it out" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to stop immediately" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase expressing a command or instruction. It indicates an urgent need for cessation. As confirmed by Ludwig, this construction is standard English and commonly used to emphasize the necessity of instant action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to stop immediately" serves as a powerful directive, demanding instant cessation of an action. Grammatically correct and frequently used, as supported by Ludwig, it appears most commonly in news media, wiki entries, and scientific publications. While generally neutral in tone, it can lean towards formal, and careful consideration should be given to the context. Alternatives such as "halt at once" or "cease forthwith" offer similar meanings but may carry different connotations. When writing, use "to stop immediately" when urgency is crucial but avoid overuse in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stop right this instant

Adds emphasis and urgency to the command.

halt at once

Emphasizes abrupt cessation with a formal tone.

cease forthwith

Implies immediate cessation with legal or official undertones.

desist immediately

Suggests a more formal and legalistic cessation.

discontinue instantly

Highlights the termination of an ongoing process without delay.

terminate without delay

Focuses on ending something quickly and efficiently.

put an immediate end to

Highlights the act of actively ending something.

knock it off now

Offers an informal and direct command to stop.

bring it to a standstill now

Focuses on the act of stopping motion or progress.

break off directly

Stresses the abrupt interruption of an action or process.

FAQs

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

The phrase "to stop immediately" is used to convey urgency and demand instant action. For example, "If you experience any pain, you need "to stop immediately" and seek medical attention."

What are some alternatives to "to stop immediately"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "halt at once", "cease forthwith", or "discontinue instantly". The best choice depends on the level of formality and the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "to stop immediately"?

While grammatically correct, "to stop immediately" might sound overly formal in casual situations. Consider using simpler phrases like "stop now" or "quit it" in informal settings.

What is the difference between "to stop immediately" and "to stop soon"?

"To stop immediately" implies an urgent need for instant cessation, while "to stop soon" suggests that the action will cease in the near future but without the same level of urgency or immediacy.