Is "stop" formal or informal?

It is common in both speech and writing. In polite writing, people may use "cease" or "end" instead.

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

"Pause" means a short break. "Stop" usually means the action ends, at least for now.

How do I use "stop" with -ing verbs?

Use "stop doing" for an action that ends: "I stopped eating sweets."

Can "stop" be a noun in business or travel English?

Yes. It can mean a place where a vehicle stops, like a bus stop or train stop.

← Dictionary

stop

/stɒp/

IELTSAcademic

verb

To make something end, or to no longer do something. It can also mean to pause or bring movement to an end.

Please stop talking.
The bus stopped at the corner.
I stopped smoking last year.

noun

An act of stopping, or a place where a vehicle regularly pauses.

The train made a short stop.
Our first stop was the museum.
There is a bus stop near my home.

Adinary Nuance

Stop is stronger and more direct than pause. Use pause when something is only temporary and will continue later. Use stop when something ends, or when you want someone to end an action now.

In other languages

Vietnamese: dừng
Spanish: parar
Chinese: 停止
Japanese: 止まる
Korean: 멈추다

Etymology

Old English stoppian meant “plug up” or “close.” It later developed the modern meanings of ending movement, action, or sound.

Common phrases

stop bystop doing somethingfull stopbus stop

Synonyms

end halt cease quit

Related words

pause start finish stopwatch bus stop

Frequently asked questions

Is "stop" formal or informal?: It is common in both speech and writing. In polite writing, people may use "cease" or "end" instead.
What is the difference between "stop" and "pause"?: "Pause" means a short break. "Stop" usually means the action ends, at least for now.
How do I use "stop" with -ing verbs?: Use "stop doing" for an action that ends: "I stopped eating sweets."
Can "stop" be a noun in business or travel English?: Yes. It can mean a place where a vehicle stops, like a bus stop or train stop.