were stopped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were stopped" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something or someone was halted or prevented from continuing an action in the past. Example: "The vehicles were stopped at the red light, waiting for it to change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The procedures were stopped.

The New York Times - Health

Thank goodness they were stopped.

Independent

Those in steerage were stopped.

The New York Times

"All projects were stopped," Tabibian recalls.

The New Yorker

This time, the terrorists were stopped.

The Economist

Both outbreaks were stopped by vaccination.

The New York Times - Health

They were stopped for speeding, then released.

The Economist

Trains were stopped at 9 28 a.m.

The New York Times

All outbound flights from San Diego International Airport were stopped.

The New York Times

But at El Galaa Bridge, they were stopped.

The New Yorker

Their drivers were stopped four, five, six times a day.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were stopped", ensure the subject clearly identifies what or who was stopped. Clarity is crucial in passive voice constructions.

Common error

Avoid using "were stopped" in sentences where the actor is unclear or missing. Always provide context to clarify who or what caused the stopping action to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were stopped" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject of the sentence received the action of being stopped. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a standard and grammatically sound construction in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were stopped" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive verb phrase, as verified by Ludwig AI. It effectively conveys that an action or movement was halted. It's prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, indicating its versatility. When using this phrase, ensure the subject and the actor (if specified) are clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "were halted" and "were prevented" can be used for variety. Remember to maintain clarity and context in your writing for the best impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were halted

Replaces "stopped" with a synonym that also implies an abrupt cessation.

were prevented

Emphasizes that something was blocked from happening.

were intercepted

Suggests that something was stopped while in transit or progress.

were ceased

A more formal way of saying "were stopped", implying a deliberate ending.

were checked

Suggests a temporary halt or a slowing down of progress.

were obstructed

Focuses on the blocking or hindering aspect of being stopped.

were discontinued

Suggests that something was stopped from continuing over time.

were terminated

Implies a definitive end or conclusion.

were suppressed

Implies the use of force or authority to stop something.

were arrested

Typically used when someone is taken into custody by law enforcement, thus halting their progress.

FAQs

How to use "were stopped" in a sentence?

Use "were stopped" to indicate that something or someone was halted or prevented from continuing an action. For example: "The vehicles "were stopped" at the red light".

What can I say instead of "were stopped"?

You can use alternatives like "were halted", "were prevented", or "were intercepted" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "were stopped" or "was stopped"?

"Were stopped" is used for plural subjects (e.g., "The cars "were stopped""), while "was stopped" is used for singular subjects (e.g., "The car "was stopped"").

What's the difference between "were stopped" and "had been stopped"?

"Were stopped" indicates a simple past passive action, while "had been stopped" indicates a past perfect passive action, meaning the action of stopping occurred before another point in the past. Example: They "were stopped" by the police after they "had been stopped" for speeding earlier that day.