an impediment to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an impediment to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that hinders or obstructs progress or action in a particular context. Example: "The lack of funding has become an impediment to the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is an impediment to political change.

The Economist

Are drugs an impediment to rebuilding?

The New Yorker

That lawsuit was an impediment to reforms".

The New York Times

"It is an impediment to learning".

The New York Times

Transportation was not an impediment to visitation.

The New York Times - Health

But it represents an impediment to communication which had to be solved, as well as an impediment to transport.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"But now that's an impediment to successful aging".

The New York Times - Health

This energy deficit is also an impediment to development.

The New York Times

as an impediment to more active government intervention.

The Guardian

The huge amount is an impediment to the nation's development.

The New York Times

"Many see getting attached as an impediment to this".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an impediment to", ensure the noun following 'to' clearly identifies what is being hindered. For example, "bureaucracy is an impediment to progress" is more effective than "bureaucracy is an impediment."

Common error

While "an impediment to" is grammatically correct, avoid overuse in casual conversation. Simpler terms like "problem for" or "hinderance to" may be more appropriate in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an impediment to" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun by indicating something that hinders or obstructs. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing how it connects a subject with its negative effect on another noun or action. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an impediment to" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to denote something that hinders or obstructs progress. As confirmed by Ludwig, its use is widespread across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. While effective, it's important to consider the context and choose simpler alternatives in informal settings. Common errors involve incorrect preposition usage (using 'for' instead of 'to'). Remember, clarity and precision are key when using "an impediment to" to identify obstacles effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hindrance to

Uses a different noun to convey the same sense of obstruction.

a barrier to

Employs a more visual metaphor for an obstacle.

an obstacle to

Replaces 'impediment' with a more common synonym.

a deterrent to

Suggests something that discourages or prevents action.

a constraint on

Focuses on limitation rather than direct obstruction.

a restriction on

Highlights limitations or regulations.

an encumbrance to

Offers a more formal and heavy term for something burdensome.

a stumbling block to

Uses a metaphor suggesting something that causes one to trip or falter.

a drag on

An informal way to express something slowing progress.

a crimp in

Suggests something that restrains or inhibits.

FAQs

How can I use "an impediment to" in a sentence?

Use "an impediment to" to describe something that obstructs or hinders progress. For example, "Lack of funding is "an impediment to" research."

What are some alternatives to "an impediment to"?

You can use phrases like "a barrier to", "an obstacle to", or "a hindrance to" as alternatives to "an impediment to", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "impediment to" or "impediment for"?

"Impediment to" is the correct prepositional pairing. "Impediment for" is grammatically incorrect. Therefore, the correct usage is "an impediment to progress" not "an impediment for progress."

What's the difference between "an impediment to" and "a challenge to"?

"An impediment to" suggests something that actively hinders or blocks progress, while "a challenge to" implies something that requires effort and skill to overcome. An impediment directly obstructs, while a challenge merely presents difficulty.