Impede

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Impede" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of obstructing or hindering progress or movement. Example: "The heavy traffic will impede our ability to arrive on time for the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the gridlock is most damaging to Republicans who, four months after electoral gains that gave them control over both chambers of the legislature, have allowed bitter internal divisions to impede effective government.

The Guardian

Aiken has said reporters are the only people asking whether being a gay man could impede his campaign to represent such a conservative district.

The Guardian

According to Imperial College's Dr Robin Carhart-Harris, a researcher into the effects of drugs on the brain, "The current laws impede our research due to the requirement for a Schedule 1 drug license, which is expensive, takes a while to set-up and requires maintenance fees and check-ups.

The Guardian

The second is that a transaction tax would impede the efficient working of markets and add to business costs, which would be passed on to consumers.

The Guardian - Business

It is suffering from an economic catastrophe now and will continue to suffer from an economic catastrophe if it stays in the euro without generous debt forgiveness and policies that facilitate, rather than impede, growth.

The Guardian - Business

Studies have shown how tighter rules impede growth in labour-intensive industries and prompt firms to remain small.Two-tier worldYet the industrial belt in which Maruti's factory sits shows times have changed.

The Economist

They are long on plans to cut red tape and make labour markets more flexible, but short on tackling the network of subsidies and protection that impede competition, says the II Es Mr Posen.

The Economist

The security services try to impede foreign journalists from visiting leaders who have been released from jail, and keep the two most senior figures under lock and key.

The Economist

But for the sake of the government's survival, they're not saying it too loudly".Campaigners for democracy and openness are worried that Mr Kenyatta and his friends are trying to impede them, much as the government has plainly done its best to hamstring the ICC's investigation.

The Economist

Moreover, they have constructed a machinery in the shape of States, specially and deliberately calculated to impede central action, to stop the exercise of power, to reduce government, except so far as it is expressed in arrests by the parish constable, to an impossibility.

The Economist

The chair of the Tennessee Senate's labour committee worried that "a vote for organised labour would impede our daily efforts to benefit Tennessee families as we compete nationally in job growth".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "impede" to describe a situation where something is actively slowing down or preventing progress. It is stronger than "delay" but less forceful than "stop".

Common error

While "impede" is a versatile word, it can sound overly formal in everyday conversation. In casual settings, consider using alternatives like "hinder" or "block" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "impede" is as a transitive verb. It signifies the action of hindering or obstructing someone or something. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing factors that slow down progress or prevent effective action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

11%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "impede" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb that means to hinder or obstruct. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. It is commonly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science-related content. While the word is versatile, it's important to consider the context and choose synonyms like "hinder" or "obstruct" in informal settings. This guide offers best practices and addresses common errors to improve clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hinder

This term suggests making it difficult for someone to do something or for something to happen.

Obstruct

This implies creating an obstacle that blocks movement or progress.

Hamper

This means to hold back or impede the progress of.

Thwart

This suggests preventing someone from achieving their aim.

Block

To obstruct or prevent the movement or flow of something.

Inhibit

This term refers to restraining or preventing an action or process.

Restrain

To keep under control or within limits; to restrict the freedom of.

Hold back

To restrain or prevent the advance or progress of.

Slow down

To reduce the speed or rate of progress.

Delay

To postpone or defer an action or event.

FAQs

How to use "impede" in a sentence?

Use "impede" to indicate something that obstructs or hinders progress. For example, "The heavy traffic will impede our ability to arrive on time."

What can I say instead of "impede"?

You can use alternatives like "hinder", "obstruct", or "hamper" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "impede" or "hinder"?

"Impede" and "hinder" are similar, but "impede" often suggests a more significant or formal obstruction. Choose the word that best fits the tone and the degree of obstruction you want to convey.

What's the difference between "impede" and "prevent"?

"Impede" means to slow down or make progress difficult, while "prevent" means to stop something from happening altogether. "Impede" suggests partial obstruction, while "prevent" suggests complete blockage.