absorb impact

USAGE SUMMARY

"absorb impact" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to refer to an ability to cope with a difficult or unpleasant situation. For example, "The company was able to absorb the financial impact of the pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

The main objectives of the study were to demonstrate the capacity of our ARM with absorber structure to absorb impact forces and vibration waves, and to measure the effect of parameter variation on the absorption of impact forces and vibration waves.

Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory

These discs help absorb impact in the spine.

Harvard University

There are other possibilities that should be examined, including so-called soft walls that can absorb impact.

The New York Times

Its nylon corners are designed to absorb impact without shattering the screen, although they were not put to the test.

The Guardian - Tech

A good case will protect your phone from scratches and absorb impact in those areas when your device is dropped.

The New York Times - Tech

But as athletes reach their 30s or 40s, the fat pads that help to absorb impact start to thin.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

However, this will make your foot less able to absorb impacts and may cause problems higher up in the lower limb.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Most conventional suspensions use passive devices to absorb impacts and vibrations, which is generally difficult to adapt to the uncertain circumstances.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Modern cars incorporate a third approach: They absorb impacts by crumpling, sacrificing the structure to protect the occupants.

Science Magazine

Unlike hang gliders and paragliders, gliders surround the pilots with strong structures and have undercarriages to absorb impacts when landing.

Wikipedia

18 20 Tailored strengthening and conditioning exercises for the thigh, hip and core muscles to effectively absorb impacts during landing from repetitive jumps may also be useful.

British Journal of Sports Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing protective materials or designs, use "absorb impact" to highlight their ability to lessen the force of a collision or sudden energy transfer. For example, "The helmet's foam is designed to "absorb impact" effectively."

Common error

Avoid using "absorb impact" metaphorically when describing emotional or psychological situations where "cope with" or "manage" would be more appropriate. "Absorb impact" typically relates to physical forces.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absorb impact" functions primarily as a verb phrase where "absorb" is the verb, and "impact" is the direct object. Ludwig examples show its use in describing the ability of materials or structures to lessen the force of a collision. The Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

45%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "absorb impact" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that describes the ability to reduce the force of a collision, according to Ludwig. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, the phrase is generally neutral in tone and can be used across various registers. As highlighted by Ludwig's AI, the phrase is appropriate for describing physical phenomena and material properties, cautioning against its metaphorical extension to psychological or emotional situations. To ensure correct usage, remember that "absorb impact" describes the physical reduction of force, distinguishing it from enduring or withstanding a force. Alternative phrases, such as "mitigate the force" or "cushion the blow", can provide nuanced meanings depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mitigate the force

Highlights reducing the intensity of a physical force, aligning with the core concept.

dampen the shock

Emphasizes reducing sudden, jarring effects rather than the overall impact.

cushion the blow

Focuses on reducing the severity of a negative event or force; less literal than "absorb impact".

dissipate energy

Refers to spreading energy out to reduce concentrated impact.

lessen the collision

Directly addresses the act of making a collision less severe.

deflect the blow

Describes redirecting force rather than absorbing it.

buffer the effect

Suggests using something to shield or protect from an impact's consequence.

counter the force

This focuses on opposing the impact with an equal force.

neutralize the effect

This aims at completely canceling the adverse impact.

minimize the stress

Focuses on reducing the level of stress caused by the impact.

FAQs

How can I use "absorb impact" in a sentence?

You can use "absorb impact" to describe materials or systems designed to reduce the force of a collision. For example, "The car's crumple zones are engineered to "absorb impact" during a crash."

What is a good alternative to "absorb impact"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "absorb impact" include "mitigate the force", "cushion the blow", or "dampen the shock".

Which is more appropriate: "absorb impact" or "withstand impact"?

"Absorb impact" implies dissipating the energy of a collision, while "withstand impact" suggests enduring the force without being damaged. The best choice depends on whether the goal is to lessen the force or to resist it.

What does it mean to say something "absorbs impact"?

To say that something "absorbs impact" means it has the capacity to reduce the force or energy transferred during a collision or sudden force, often through deformation or dissipation.