a brake on progress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brake on progress" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that hinders or slows down advancement or development in a particular area. Example: "The new regulations have become a brake on progress in the technology sector, making it difficult for companies to innovate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He is a brake on progress; he has to die.

The Guardian - Books

Those long and tortuous negotiations over what should be built where are a brake on progress.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Suspicion is the underlying feature that puts a brake on progress".

The New York Times

This has allowed Africans to leapfrog poor landline infrastructure, which had been a brake on progress.

The Guardian

Some have argued that a lighter regulatory hand at this point in the driverless car evolution is needed — we don't want to limit innovation or put a brake on progress.

TechCrunch

Despite reaching the Millennium Development Goal target for access to water in March 2012, our report highlights how the lack of progress in improving access to sanitation and hygiene is acting as a brake on progress in economic and human development -- particularly in child health, nutrition and education.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

This part of the establishment seeks not only to put a brake on social progress, but to go backwards.

The Guardian - Opinion

But in totality the paywalls are a brake on research progress and the speed of dissemination to anyone who might wish to make use of it.

The Guardian

It has been said that certain forms of government or certain constitutional frameworks promote faster growth than others; that excessive individualism or concern with human rights and legal remedies may act as a brake on economic progress; and that some governments and states can be characterized as "soft states" with little prospect of rapid human improvement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Corruption remains a powerful brake on progress.

The Guardian

But the other aspects of man's nature act as a continual brake on progress.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a brake on progress", ensure the context clearly identifies what specific aspect of progress is being hindered. Provide concrete examples for clarity.

Common error

Avoid attributing "a brake on progress" to vague or overly broad factors. Clearly identify the specific action, policy, or event that is impeding advancement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brake on progress" functions as a noun phrase, specifically as a metaphorical expression. According to Ludwig, it describes something that hinders or slows down advancement. The phrase acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a brake on progress" is a grammatically correct and usable English expression that describes something hindering or slowing down advancement. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and provides numerous real-world examples. It's a noun phrase functioning as a metaphor, commonly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. While not extremely frequent, the expression is well-understood. To use it effectively, clearly identify the specific factor impeding progress. Alternatives include "a hindrance to progress" and "an obstacle to advancement". This guide provides valuable insights into the meaning, usage, and context of this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hindrance to progress

Emphasizes the obstructive nature of the impediment.

an obstacle to advancement

Highlights the challenging nature of the barrier.

a deterrent to development

Focuses on discouraging or preventing development.

a setback for advancement

Indicates a temporary delay or reversal in progress.

a constraint on growth

Highlights limitation or restriction on expansion.

an impediment to forward movement

Focuses on the obstruction of forward movement.

a drag on improvement

Suggests a slowing or retarding effect on betterment.

a restriction on development

Emphasizes the limitation imposed on developmental activities.

a curb on advancement

Implies a restraint or check on progress.

a damper on growth

Suggests a discouraging or inhibiting influence on growth.

FAQs

What does "a brake on progress" mean?

The phrase "a brake on progress" refers to something that slows down or prevents advancement, development, or improvement in a particular area or situation. It acts as a hindrance, impeding forward movement.

How can I use "a brake on progress" in a sentence?

You can use "a brake on progress" to describe various factors that impede advancement. For example: "Bureaucratic red tape is often "a brake on progress" in infrastructure projects."

What can I say instead of "a brake on progress"?

You can use alternatives like "a hindrance to progress", "an obstacle to advancement", or "a deterrent to development" depending on the specific context.

Is "a brake on progress" a formal or informal expression?

"A brake on progress" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news articles, academic papers, and general discussions about factors that impede advancement.