full stop
B1Neutral; formal in writing, informal and emphatic in spoken idiomatic use.
Definition
Meaning
The punctuation mark (.) used to indicate the end of a declarative or imperative sentence.
Used idiomatically, especially in British English, to emphasise that a point is final and there is nothing more to be said or done on the matter. Also refers to a complete cessation of movement.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun. In non-punctuation contexts, it denotes a definitive end or halt.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the US, the punctuation mark is called a 'period'. The term 'full stop' is understood but rarely used for punctuation. The emphatic idiomatic usage (e.g., 'I'm not going, full stop.') exists in both, but 'period' is the standard American form.
Connotations
In British English, the idiomatic use can sound slightly formal or emphatic. In American English, using 'full stop' instead of 'period' can sound affected or consciously British.
Frequency
'Full stop' is the standard and almost exclusive term for the punctuation in British English. It is relatively infrequent in general American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Verb] + a full stop (e.g., 'use', 'add', 'place')[Noun] + come to + a full stopput a full stop to + [Noun Phrase]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “come to a full stop”
- “put a full stop to something”
- “and that's that, full stop”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in written reports and emails. In meetings, the idiomatic 'full stop' can be used to end debate on an issue.
Academic
Standard in all formal writing to terminate sentences. The idiomatic use is less common.
Everyday
Common in writing; in speech, the idiomatic use is frequent in BrE for emphasis.
Technical
In computing, a 'full stop' or 'dot' is a delimiter in domain names, file paths, and regular expressions.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adverb
British English
- He refused, full stop.
- We are not discussing it, full stop.
American English
- He refused, period.
- We are not discussing it, period.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Write your name. Put a full stop at the end.
- The car came to a full stop.
- Every sentence must end with a full stop or another suitable punctuation mark.
- I will not tolerate lateness, full stop.
- The negotiations came to a full stop when the key clause was disputed.
- Her argument was compelling, but she failed to put a full stop to the rumours.
- The chairman used the phrase 'full stop' rhetorically to pre-empt any further discussion on the merger.
- In regex, a full stop is a metacharacter matching any single character.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bus coming to a FULL STOP at the end of the line, just as a sentence ends with a FULL STOP.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN END IS A STOPPING POINT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate the idiomatic 'full stop' as 'полная остановка' (which only means a complete halt in motion). Use 'и точка' for the emphatic sense.
- The punctuation mark is 'точка', but be aware of the different term 'period' in American English.
Common Mistakes
- Using a comma instead of a full stop (run-on sentence).
- In American English, using 'full stop' in formal writing instead of 'period'.
- Capitalising the word after a full stop inside a quotation mark incorrectly.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'full stop' NOT typically used in American English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is understood but is not the standard term for the punctuation mark; Americans use 'period'. The emphatic adverbial usage (e.g., 'I'm not going, full stop.') is recognised but 'period' is far more common.
No, 'full stop' is not used as a verb. To describe the action, you use verbs like 'stop', 'end', or 'terminate'.
A full stop (.) marks a definitive end. An ellipsis (...) indicates a trailing off, an omission, or a pause, and does not necessarily end a sentence.
Use it adverbially at the end of a statement to show there is no more to be said. Example: 'We cannot afford it, full stop.' It is more common in British English.