a blanket embargo

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a blanket embargo" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a comprehensive or all-encompassing prohibition on trade or exchange with a particular country or entity. Example: "The government imposed a blanket embargo on all goods and services to the nation in response to its aggressive actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Before the end of his first year in office, Reagan ordered all Americans remaining in Libya -- some 1,500, mostly oil workers -- to leave or face legal action, and in 1982 he placed a blanket embargo on Libyan oil.

The New York Times - Magazine

With frustration mounting, a bipartisan group of senators introduced legislation Thursday that would impose tougher sanctions on Saudi Arabia, including a blanket embargo on the sale of arms to Riyadh for offensive purposes and a ban on U.S. refueling of Saudi planes engaged in Yemen's brutal civil war.

The Washington Post

His reluctance to revisit past wounds seems to have led to a blanket embargo on curiosity about himself, which I think has leaked into his work because, despite having made three films about human survival in states of extremity, none has even begun to unravel why people behave as they do.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The blanket embargo includes a ban on selling Riyadh munitions, bombs, missiles, aircraft, tanks or armored vehicles, according to a person familiar with the text, but does not prevent the sale of purely defensive systems, such as missile interceptors.

The Washington Post

Pigs in a Blanket.

The New York Times

But still, a blanket!

The Guardian - Opinion

Turned into a blanket?

The New York Times - Style

Beethoven on a blanket?

The New York Times

"I have a blanket".

The New Yorker

It is a blanket.

The New York Times

Franks in a Blanket.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a blanket embargo", ensure that the context clearly indicates the scope of the embargo, specifying which goods, services, or activities are prohibited. This helps avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a blanket embargo" if the prohibition has exceptions or limitations. Instead, clarify the specific restrictions that apply.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a blanket embargo" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a comprehensive prohibition. Examples include: "Reagan placed a blanket embargo on Libyan oil."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a blanket embargo" is a grammatically correct and semantically clear term used to describe a comprehensive prohibition, typically in trade or political contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It's most frequently found in news and formal business settings, denoting a wide-ranging restriction. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines the scope of the embargo to avoid any ambiguity. While alternatives like "total trade ban" or "full embargo" exist, "a blanket embargo" is effective in conveying a sense of completeness and universality in the prohibition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

full embargo

A more concise synonym, stressing the completeness of the embargo.

strict embargo

Emphasizes the severity and enforcement of the embargo.

total trade ban

Emphasizes the complete cessation of trade, similar to a blanket embargo but focuses specifically on trade.

sweeping ban

Emphasizes the extensive and wide-ranging nature of the ban.

comprehensive prohibition

Highlights the thorough and all-encompassing nature of the restriction, applicable beyond just trade.

universal prohibition

Highlights that the prohibition applies to everyone without exception.

complete restriction

Broader term that applies to areas beyond trade; emphasizes that the restriction is absolute.

global trade halt

Focuses specifically on trade and emphasizes the immediate cessation.

across-the-board sanctions

Focuses on sanctions being applied uniformly to all sectors or aspects.

wholesale blockade

Implies a physical barrier preventing any entry or exit, extending beyond just trade.

FAQs

How can I use "a blanket embargo" in a sentence?

You can use "a blanket embargo" to describe a comprehensive ban on trade or other commercial activity with a specific country or entity. For example: "The government imposed "a blanket embargo" on all goods from the country."

What are some alternatives to "a blanket embargo"?

Alternatives include "total trade ban", "full embargo", or "comprehensive prohibition" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "a blanket embargo" and "sanctions"?

"Sanctions" is a broader term that can include various economic and diplomatic measures, while "a blanket embargo" specifically refers to a complete prohibition of trade or interaction with a particular entity.

When is it appropriate to use the term "a blanket embargo"?

Use "a blanket embargo" when you want to emphasize that the embargo is comprehensive and covers nearly all aspects of trade or interaction. It's most appropriate when there are very few, if any, exceptions to the embargo.