What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pause
Example
Let's pause the movie and grab some snacks. [pause: verb]
Example
There was a pause in the conversation as everyone took a sip of their drink. [pause: noun]
stop
Example
I need to stop eating junk food for my health. [stop: verb]
Example
The bus stop is just around the corner. [stop: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stop is more commonly used than pause in everyday language. Stop is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while pause is less common and refers to a temporary break or interruption.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pause and stop?
Both pause and stop can be used in formal and informal contexts, but stop may be more appropriate in serious or professional situations due to its stronger connotation.