What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stall
Example
The negotiations hit a stall when both parties couldn't agree on the terms. [stall: noun]
Example
The car engine stalled when it ran out of gas. [stalled: past tense verb]
halt
Example
The train came to a halt at the station. [halt: noun]
Example
The police officer ordered the suspect to halt and put their hands up. [halt: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Halt is more commonly used than stall in everyday language. Halt is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while stall is less common and often used in technical or business contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stall and halt?
Both stall and halt can be used in formal or informal contexts, but stall is more commonly used in technical or business settings, which may give it a slightly more formal tone.