at an impasse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at an impasse" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where progress cannot be made due to a disagreement or deadlock. Example: "After hours of negotiation, the two parties found themselves at an impasse, unable to reach a compromise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm at an impasse".

The New Yorker

We're at an impasse.

The New York Times - Magazine

We were at an impasse.

The New York Times

The men were at an impasse.

The New Yorker

The system itself is at an impasse.

The New Yorker

So, we're at an impasse.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Otherwise we are at an impasse.

The Guardian

And yet they remained at an impasse.

Harvard Business Review

The situation was at an impasse.

The New Yorker

Negotiations seem to be at an impasse.

The New York Times

The Brexit process is at an impasse.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at an impasse" when you want to clearly state that progress has stopped due to conflicting opinions or circumstances. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, indicating a state of deadlock.

Common error

Avoid using "at an impasse" when the situation is simply delayed or requires more time, rather than being truly blocked by disagreement. Ensure a genuine conflict or blockage exists before employing this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at an impasse" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It describes a state or condition, indicating that something has reached a standstill or deadlock. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at an impasse" effectively communicates a standstill or deadlock in a situation. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media and Academic contexts. While similar phrases like "in a stalemate" or "at a standstill" exist, "at an impasse" provides a clear and neutral way to describe situations where progress has halted due to irreconcilable differences. When using this phrase, ensure that a genuine conflict or blockage exists, and avoid using it for simple delays. It is a versatile phrase applicable to various scenarios, from negotiations to political situations, offering clarity and precision in conveying the lack of forward movement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a stalemate

Emphasizes a situation where neither side can gain an advantage.

at a standstill

Highlights the lack of movement or progress.

deadlocked

Directly indicates a situation where agreement is impossible.

in a deadlock

Similar to 'deadlocked', but with a slightly stronger emphasis on the locked nature of the situation.

at a dead end

Suggests that the current approach offers no further solutions.

unable to proceed

Focuses on the inability to continue forward.

in a gridlock

Implies a complete blockage, often used in the context of negotiations or traffic.

stuck in negotiations

Specifically refers to a negotiation process that has stalled.

facing a stalemate

Highlights the confrontation aspect of the impasse.

at loggerheads

Describes a state of intense disagreement and conflict.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "at an impasse"?

Being "at an impasse" means that parties involved in a discussion or negotiation have reached a point where they cannot agree, and no further progress is possible without a significant change in approach.

How can I use "at an impasse" in a sentence?

You can use "at an impasse" to describe situations like: "Negotiations between the union and management are "in a stalemate"," or "The committee is "unable to proceed" due to conflicting opinions."

Which is a better choice, "at an impasse" or "in a deadlock"?

Both "at an impasse" and "in a deadlock" are suitable for describing a standstill, but "at an impasse" might be preferred in slightly more formal contexts. The best choice depends on the specific tone and context of your writing.

What are some alternative phrases for "at an impasse"?

Alternatives to "at an impasse" include "at a standstill", "deadlocked", or "at a dead end", each offering a slightly different shade of meaning while conveying the general sense of being blocked or unable to progress.