as an impediment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as an impediment" 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 served as an impediment to the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

as an impediment to more active government intervention.

The Guardian

But then she has never seen age as an impediment.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

They see the international "we" as an impediment to joy -- and to destiny.

The New York Times

It was viewed by many, especially local property developers, as an impediment to regeneration.

The Guardian - Travel

Bush Administration officials, too, had recognized Mohammed's abuse as an impediment to prosecution.

The New Yorker

Iraqi officials regard the travel warning as an impediment to investment and tourism.

The New York Times

Clubs from further afield will point to more frequent travel as an impediment.

The Guardian - Sport

case as an impediment to the far bigger goal of winning contracts from the Pentagon.

The New York Times

Maternity leave is seen as an impediment to becoming a senior manager.

The New York Times

The family structure of industry acts as an impediment to modernization.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as an impediment" to clearly and directly state that something is hindering progress or development. Ensure the context makes the reason for the hindrance apparent.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "as an impediment" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "as a problem" or "as a hurdle" when speaking or writing informally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as an impediment" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or clause, indicating that something is acting as a hindrance or obstruction. Ludwig shows numerous examples across different contexts where this phrase is used to denote a factor that slows down or prevents progress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as an impediment" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that something is acting as a hindrance or obstacle. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. While versatile, it is more suited to neutral to formal settings, such as news articles, scientific papers, or professional communications, and less appropriate for casual conversations where simpler alternatives may be preferred. Its primary function is to clearly identify a factor that is causing a problem or hindering progress. Authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, cementing its place in standard English usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a hindrance

Replaces "impediment" with a synonym, maintaining the same grammatical structure.

as a barrier

Substitutes "impediment" with another synonym, preserving the original meaning.

as an obstacle

Replaces "impediment" with a common synonym, keeping the structure intact.

as a stumbling block

Uses a more figurative expression to convey the idea of something hindering progress.

as an obstruction

Focuses on the blocking aspect of something hindering progress or visibility.

as a drawback

Focuses on the negative aspect of something being a disadvantage.

as a disadvantage

Highlights the unfavorable nature of something causing difficulty.

as a restriction

Emphasizes the limiting aspect of something acting as a constraint.

as an encumbrance

Uses a more formal word to describe something burdensome and hindering.

as a complication

Highlights the fact that something adds difficulty to a situation.

FAQs

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

Use "as an impediment" to describe something that is hindering progress or acting as a barrier. For example, "The lack of funding served as an impediment to the project's success."

What are some alternatives to "as an impediment"?

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

Is it always appropriate to use "as an impediment"?

While grammatically correct, "as an impediment" might sound overly formal in casual settings. Consider using simpler alternatives in informal conversations or writing.

What is the difference between "as an impediment" and "as a challenge"?

"As an impediment" suggests something is hindering progress, while "as a challenge" implies something requires effort to overcome but is not necessarily blocking progress completely. The nuance lies in the degree of obstruction.