at the impasse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the impasse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where progress cannot be made due to a disagreement or deadlock. Example: "The negotiations reached a standstill, and both parties found themselves at the impasse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

It is at the impasse stage that the media begin to meddle.

The Guardian - Sport

Rob Portman, the United States trade representative, expressed disappointment at the impasse.

The New York Times

The developer, Ralph Gometz, alternated between frustration and bewilderment at the impasse.

The New York Times

At the impasse I ran into friends, and we all drank, and of course I got stuck with the check.

The New York Times

The article drew more than 600 comments online, many expressing anger at illegal immigrants or frustration at the impasse in national immigration and health care policies.

The New York Times

Still, this latest effort to prod Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Abbas back into negotiations resonates with a broader frustration at the impasse among many American Jews.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Most efforts at breaking the impasse seem doomed.

Yale University

The German government is backing a modified backstop plan aimed at breaking the impasse in Brexit negotiations.

The Times

Thursday's meeting is the second in a series the White House announced Wednesday aimed at breaking the impasse, reopening the government and raising the $16.7 trillion debt limit.

The Washington Post

US senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham are in Cairo for talks aimed at breaking the impasse between Egypt's interim military-backed government and supporters of the ousted president Mohamed Morsi.

The Guardian

His remarks came a day after Iran formally responded to a proposal of incentives aimed at resolving the impasse over the country's nuclear program.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the impasse" when you want to emphasize a situation where further progress is blocked, typically due to conflicting viewpoints or an inability to reach an agreement. It is especially effective when describing negotiations, debates, or any process that requires consensus.

Common error

Avoid using "at the impasse" interchangeably with phrases that imply temporary delays or minor setbacks. "Impasse" suggests a more significant and potentially long-lasting blockage, not just a simple pause or detour.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the impasse" functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a verb or noun to indicate a state of deadlock or blockage. It specifies where a process or negotiation has arrived, as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

21%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the impasse" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase used to describe situations where progress has stalled, often due to disagreement or deadlock. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its usage is prevalent in News & Media and Academia contexts. When writing, remember that it refers to a significant blockage, differentiating it from temporary delays. Alternative phrases include "at a standstill" and "in a deadlock". This analysis, drawing upon examples from Ludwig, provides a comprehensive guide to effectively incorporating "at the impasse" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a standstill

Emphasizes a complete halt in progress, similar to "at the impasse" but focuses on the lack of movement.

in a deadlock

Highlights the inability to reach an agreement, akin to "at the impasse" which suggests a blocked negotiation or process.

at a stalemate

Focuses on a situation where neither side can gain an advantage, mirroring the blocked progress implied by "at the impasse".

at a gridlock

Suggests a situation of complete blockage, often used in the context of traffic or political processes, like "at the impasse".

at an impasse

A slight variation using the indefinite article "an" instead of "the", maintaining the same meaning and conveying a similar sense of being stuck.

in a bind

Suggests a difficult situation from which it is hard to escape, somewhat similar to being stuck "at the impasse".

at a checkmate

Borrowing from chess, it represents a position where no move can be made to avoid defeat, implying a situation similar to "at the impasse".

at a dead end

Emphasizes the lack of any forward path, much like being "at the impasse" where progress is blocked.

in a quandary

Highlights a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do, relating to the indecision that can lead to an "impasse".

up against a brick wall

Implies facing an insurmountable obstacle, similar to the sense of blocked progress suggested by "at the impasse".

FAQs

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

You can use "at the impasse" to describe situations where negotiations, discussions, or progress have stalled due to irreconcilable differences. For example: "Negotiations reached a dead end, and both parties found themselves "at the impasse"."

What are some alternatives to "at the impasse"?

Alternatives include "at a standstill", "in a deadlock", or "at a stalemate". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "in impasse" instead of "at the impasse"?

While "in impasse" might be understood, "at the impasse" is the more idiomatic and commonly accepted way to express the idea of being in a blocked or deadlocked situation. Sticking with "at the impasse" ensures clarity and adheres to standard English usage.

What's the difference between "at the impasse" and "at an impasse"?

"At the impasse" typically refers to a specific, defined situation of deadlock. "At an impasse" is a more general statement, indicating that a state of deadlock exists. The choice depends on whether you are referring to a specific situation or a general condition of being deadlocked.