block access

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "block access" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to preventing someone from entering or using something, such as a website, resource, or location. Example: "The security system is designed to block access to unauthorized users."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

No attempt was made to block access to the ramp.

The New York Times - Sports

Napster is then supposed to block access to those songs.

The New York Times

They commonly block access to child-pornography websites.

The Economist

Craigslist continued to block access to the section on Sunday.

The New York Times - Tech

Government censors have begun to block access to the story.

The Economist

A fence would also block access to the water.

The Economist

Once they identify a proxy, they can block access to it, just as they block access to other sites.

The Economist

One study found that half of all companies block access to Facebook and Twitter.

The New Yorker

Parents are allowed to block access to a child's data by signing a form.

The New York Times

A middleman cannot, forever, block access to that content, and we're confident of that".

The New York Times

Drivers have threatened to block access to several refineries across the country if the talks fail.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "block access", clearly specify what is being blocked and the entity being blocked from accessing it. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "block access" without specifying what is being blocked. For example, instead of "The system blocks access", specify "The system blocks access to user data."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "block access" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "block" acts as a transitive verb taking "access" as its direct object. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "block access" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it is commonly used and correct in written English. Its primary function is to denote the act of preventing entry, use, or interaction with something, and it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts such as news reporting, technical documentation, and formal communication. While it is "very common" in the "News & Media" and "Science" contexts, you should ensure to specify what is being blocked to avoid ambiguity and you can use other alternatives like "restrict access" or "deny access".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Restrict access

Replaces "block" with "restrict", indicating a limitation rather than a complete prevention of access.

Deny access

Uses "deny" instead of "block", implying a direct refusal of entry or use.

Prevent entry

Focuses on the action of stopping someone or something from entering.

Obstruct entry

Emphasizes the act of creating an obstacle to prevent entry.

Impede access

Suggests slowing down or hindering access, rather than completely stopping it.

Bar entry

Uses "bar" to indicate a more forceful or absolute prevention of entry.

Inhibit access

Implies a more subtle prevention, where access is made difficult but not necessarily impossible.

Cut off access

Suggests a sudden and complete severing of access.

Shut off access

Similar to "cut off access", but perhaps with a more technological connotation.

Restrict passage

Focuses on the movement aspect of access, limiting the ability to pass through.

FAQs

How can I use "block access" in a sentence?

You can use "block access" to describe actions that prevent entry or use, as in "The firewall is designed to "block access" to unauthorized websites".

What are some alternatives to saying "block access"?

Alternatives include "restrict access", "deny access", or "prevent entry", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "block access" or "blocks access"?

"Block access" is used as a verb phrase, while "blocks access" is used when the subject is singular. For example, "They "block access"" versus "The system "blocks access"".

What's the difference between "block access" and "restrict access"?

"Block access" suggests a complete prevention, while "restrict access" implies limitations but not necessarily a full denial. Restricting might involve limiting the amount or type of access, while blocking is a complete stop.