unable to stop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unable to stop" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone cannot cease an action or behavior, often due to compulsion or external circumstances. Example: "She felt overwhelmed by her emotions, feeling unable to stop crying even when she wanted to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Goalies were unable to stop shots.

The New York Times

Nestlé has been unable to stop him.

The Economist

"Gross!" we chorused, unable to stop looking.

Harvard University

Is he unable to stop it?

The New York Times - Magazine

And we're unable to stop ourselves".

The Guardian - Music

They were unable to stop themselves".

The Guardian

I am surprised that America is unable to stop them".

The New York Times

They have been unable to stop talented receivers.

The New York Times - Sports

The president was unable to stop the Watergate investigation, however.

The New York Times

Mark disapproved, but felt unable to stop her.

The New Yorker

I would have been unable to stop myself.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unable to stop", ensure the context clearly indicates what action or process cannot be stopped. For example, "unable to stop the bleeding" is more precise than simply "unable to stop".

Common error

Avoid using "unable to stop" without specifying what is being stopped. Vague usage can lead to ambiguity and weaken the impact of your writing. Provide the reader with clear context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to stop" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a lack of capacity or power to cease an action or behavior. As seen in Ludwig, it expresses an inability to control or halt something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unable to stop" is a versatile phrase used to indicate an incapacity to cease an action or behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, from News & Media to Academia. While seemingly simple, it's important to provide clear context to what is being stopped to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases like "incapable of halting" or "powerless to cease" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the desired emphasis. Overall, mastering the use of "unable to stop" enhances clarity and precision in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incapable of halting

Replaces "unable" with "incapable", offering a slightly more formal tone while maintaining the core meaning.

powerless to cease

Emphasizes a lack of power or control over the action, suggesting a stronger sense of helplessness.

helpless to discontinue

Similar to "powerless", but with a focus on the inability to discontinue or interrupt a process.

compelled to continue

Shifts the focus to an internal or external force driving the action, rather than a lack of ability to stop.

forced to proceed

Suggests an external constraint preventing the cessation of the action.

can't help but continue

An idiomatic expression highlighting the involuntary nature of the action.

cannot resist persisting

Implies a strong temptation or urge to continue, making it difficult to stop.

find it impossible to quit

Highlights the perceived impossibility of stopping the action, often due to psychological or emotional factors.

have no choice but to go on

Emphasizes a lack of alternatives, suggesting that continuation is the only available option.

be at the mercy of

Implies that one is controlled by an external force and therefore cannot cease the action

FAQs

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

You can use "unable to stop" to describe a situation where someone or something cannot cease an action or process. For example, "The goalie was "unable to stop shots"" or "He was "unable to stop laughing"".

What are some alternatives to "unable to stop"?

Alternatives include "incapable of halting", "powerless to cease", or "helpless to discontinue", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "unable to stop"?

Yes, "unable to stop" is grammatically correct and widely used in both formal and informal contexts.

What is the difference between "unable to stop" and "refusing to stop"?

"Unable to stop" implies an incapacity or lack of power to cease an action, while "refusing to stop" suggests a deliberate choice not to stop, even if one has the ability to do so. For example, "He was "unable to stop" the car because the brakes failed," versus "He was "refusing to stop", leading to a police chase".