work stoppage

USAGE SUMMARY

"work stoppage" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that means a suspension of work, often as part of a strike or labor protest. For example, "The union workers staged a work stoppage to protest the proposed cuts to their benefits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then the referees had a work stoppage.

The New York Times - Sports

The N.F.L. had a work stoppage.

The New York Times - Sports

It denied any strike or work stoppage.

The New York Times

The last work stoppage was in 1975.

The New York Times

The work stoppage inspired its fair share of gallows humor.

The New York Times

N.H.L. players are bracing for the league's fourth work stoppage.

The New York Times - Sports

Fehr said he did not foresee a work stoppage.

The New York Times - Sports

I just don't believe there will be a work stoppage.

The New York Times

"I don't think there's going to be a work stoppage.

The New York Times - Sports

Over the summer, train drivers carried out a work stoppage.

The New York Times

It can ill afford a lengthy work stoppage.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on labor disputes, use "work stoppage" to refer to any situation where employees cease working as a form of protest or negotiation tactic.

Common error

Avoid using "work stoppage" when describing a "layoff". A "work stoppage" is initiated by workers, while a "layoff" is initiated by the employer due to economic reasons.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work stoppage" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a specific event: the cessation of work. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

9%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "work stoppage" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes a temporary cessation of work, often due to labor disputes. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is usable in written English and its definition is "a suspension of work, often as part of a strike or labor protest." Analysis of usage patterns reveals its prevalence in news reporting and formal discussions about labor relations, as highlighted by Ludwig's examples from sources like The New York Times and Forbes. While alternatives such as "strike action" or "labor dispute" exist, it's important to use "work stoppage" accurately to avoid confusion with related terms like "layoff" or "lockout".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strike action

Focuses specifically on strikes as a form of work stoppage.

walkout

Refers to employees leaving their workplace as a form of protest.

labor dispute

Broader term encompassing disagreements between labor and management, potentially leading to a work stoppage.

job action

A more general term for any action taken by employees to express their grievances.

industrial action

Formal term referring to collective actions by workers, including strikes and slowdowns.

lockout

An action taken by employers to prevent employees from working.

labor unrest

Describes a general state of discontent among workers, potentially leading to disruptions.

slowdown

Implies a deliberate reduction in productivity as a form of protest.

cessation of work

Formal and literal alternative, emphasizing the ending of work activities.

industrial dispute

Formal term for conflicts in the workplace, often involving unions and employers.

FAQs

What is a "work stoppage"?

A "work stoppage" is a temporary suspension of work by employees, typically as a form of protest or to exert pressure during labor negotiations. It can include strikes, walkouts, and other forms of job action.

What are some alternatives to saying "work stoppage"?

Alternatives include "strike action", "labor dispute", or "industrial action", depending on the specific context.

Is a "lockout" a type of "work stoppage"?

While both involve a cessation of work, a "lockout" is initiated by the employer, whereas a "work stoppage" is initiated by the employees. They are related but distinct actions.

How does a "work stoppage" differ from a "layoff"?

A "work stoppage" is initiated by employees as a form of protest, while a "layoff" is a termination of employment initiated by the employer, usually due to economic reasons.