1.   At other times, I make an effort to lag myself, slowing my walk to a near standstill.

2.   But economic growth has slowed sharply and come to a near standstill in Germany and Italy.

3.   But the worst part about ending the season now is that negotiations, already at a near standstill, will stop entirely.

4.   But with just one year left before Pastrana leaves office, the peace effort has lurched to a near standstill.

5.   But with just one year left before Pastrana leaves office, the peace effort in Colombia has lurched to a near standstill, and the war is escalating.

6.   By that time, the dry months of deep summer had brought cotton growth to a near standstill.

7.   Economic embargoes by the United States, the European Union and other nations have helped bring the economy to a near standstill.

8.   Elsewhere in the country, major roads and railways were blocked and opposition-run cities were at a near standstill.

9.   Retailers, home sellers and transportation companies including airlines and freight haulers saw activity brought to a near standstill in the blizzard.

10.   She had come to a near standstill on an uphill stretch, the pack slipping past her.