a drag on

USAGE SUMMARY

"a drag on" is a perfectly acceptable part of a sentence in written English.
You could use it to describe something (or someone) that is slowing down progress or making something more difficult. For example, "The bureaucracy of the office has become a drag on our productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(See: "Citi A Drag On Dow").

Forbes

He took a drag on a cigarette.

The New York Times

He took a drag on his cigarette.

The New York Times

Is this a drag on the economy?

The New York Times

Both factors are a drag on growth.

Independent

GIRARD takes a drag on the cigarette.

The New Yorker

Penn took a drag on his cigarette.

The New Yorker

First, it's a drag on productivity.

The New York Times

Iksanov took a drag on his cigarette.

The New Yorker

He takes a drag on his cigarette.

The Guardian - Books

"Blight is a drag on community energy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a drag on", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being negatively affected. Be specific about the consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "a drag on" without specifying the nature of the impact. For instance, instead of saying "The new policy is a drag on progress", specify what kind of progress is being hindered, such as "The new policy is a drag on economic progress".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a drag on" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a predicative complement or an adjectival modifier. As Ludwig confirms, it identifies something causing delay, obstruction, or negative impact. Examples show it commonly modifies nouns related to economic factors, productivity, and overall well-being.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Formal & Business

22%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a drag on" is a commonly used phrase that indicates something is hindering progress or having a negative effect. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for various contexts, including news, business, and general writing. While versatile, specifying the nature of the impact when using "a drag on" enhances clarity. Consider alternatives like ""a hindrance to"" or ""a burden on"" to fine-tune your message. Remember to avoid vague language to ensure your communication is precise and impactful. Top authoritative sources include The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hindrance to

Indicates something obstructing progress, slightly more formal.

a burden on

Emphasizes the weight or responsibility caused, implying a negative impact.

a drain on

Emphasizes the depletion of resources or energy.

a brake on

Implies a slowing down or restraining effect, specifically on momentum.

an impediment to

Suggests a more significant obstacle, often implying a legal or systemic barrier.

a damper on

Suggests a reduction in enthusiasm or enjoyment, less about direct progress.

an encumbrance to

Similar to a burden, but often refers to something that is difficult to get rid of.

a setback for

Highlights a temporary reversal or delay in achieving a goal.

a constraint on

Focuses on limitations and restrictions imposed on something.

a liability for

Highlights the disadvantage or risk associated with something.

FAQs

How can I use "a drag on" in a sentence?

You can use "a drag on" to describe something that slows down or hinders progress. For example, "Bureaucracy can be "a drag on" innovation" or "High taxes can be "a drag on" economic growth".

What are some alternatives to saying "a drag on"?

Alternatives include "a hindrance to", "a burden on", or "an impediment to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "a drag on" or "a drain on"?

The choice depends on the context. "A drag on" suggests something slows progress, while "a drain on" suggests something depletes resources. For example, "The outdated technology was "a drag on" efficiency", but "The constant repairs were "a drain on" the budget".

Can "a drag on" be used to describe a person?

Yes, "a drag on" can describe a person if they are hindering progress or bringing down the mood. For example, "His negativity was "a drag on" the team's morale".