block progress

USAGE SUMMARY

"block progress" is correct and usable in written English.
As a verb, "block" means "to impede, retard, or hinder the progress or accomplishment of" and can be used in many contexts. For example, "The high cost of living is blocking progress in eliminating poverty in this region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Agreements on these are within reach as long the leaders in each country send clear signals to their negotiators not to block progress.

Huffington Post

If so, any hillbilly could block progress.

The Economist

Sometimes, unconscious motivations can block progress.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He would know how to build coalitions to overcome the entrenched interests that block progress.

The New York Times

If you keep ideas that could unlock a lot of potential then you block progress.

The Guardian

You have three countries which are trying to block progress which are Japan, Korea and Australia.

The Guardian

His government supports some land reform, but the ranchers' lobby has been able to block progress.

The New York Times

Step 2: Miss no opportunity to block progress on employees' projects.

The Washington Post

Jealous neighbours and regional rivalries of the leading candidate members have grouped together to block progress.

The Guardian

For generations, the filibuster was used as a tool to block progress on racial justice.

The Washington Post

Environmentalists vote for the country judged to have made the most outstanding effort to block progress in negotiations.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Incorporate adverbs like 'systematically', 'indefinitely', or 'deliberately' to clarify the nature and duration of the obstruction.

Common error

Avoid using "block progress" if the movement is only slightly slowed down but still continuing. In cases of minor friction, "hinder progress" or "slow progress" are more accurate. Reserve 'block' for situations where forward movement is significantly or entirely stopped.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "block progress" functions as a transitive verb phrase where 'block' acts as the action and 'progress' is the direct object. According to Ludwig, it is frequently used to denote active resistance or the placement of an obstacle. The verb is flexible and can be modified by auxiliary verbs (e.g., 'can block', 'trying to block') to indicate capability or intent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "block progress" is a robust and widely accepted English phrase that effectively describes the act of hindering advancement. Analysis from Ludwig confirms its prevalence in high-authority sources, particularly within political and social commentary. Ludwig AI emphasizes that it is grammatically correct and most impactful when used to describe intentional obstruction or systemic barriers. Writers should feel confident using it in diverse settings, from business reports to news articles, while considering more specific alternatives like "stymie growth" or "obstruct reform" when the context requires a more tailored nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obstruct progress

Uses a more formal verb often associated with legal or procedural delays.

hinder advancement

Replaces the noun to focus on moving to a higher stage or rank.

stymie development

Employs an idiomatic verb that suggests a total thwarting of growth or evolution.

impede forward movement

A more descriptive, physical metaphor for slowing down a process.

thwart growth

Focuses on preventing a biological or economic increase from occurring.

stall reform

Specific to political or organizational changes that have been temporarily stopped.

inhibit improvement

Scientific or technical nuance, suggesting a restraint on positive changes.

hamper success

Shifts the focus from the process (progress) to the final result.

curtail momentum

Suggests slowing down something that is already moving quickly.

check progress

A more classical or literary way to say to stop or restrain movement.

FAQs

How do I use "block progress" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe active opposition, such as: "The committee voted to "block progress" on the new housing bill until environmental concerns were addressed."

What is a more formal alternative to "block progress"?

For academic or legal contexts, you might prefer "obstruct progress" or "impede advancement".

What is the difference between "block progress" and "stop progress"?

While similar, "block progress" often implies the presence of an obstacle or barrier (like a person or a law), whereas "stop progress" is a more general term for cessation.

Can I use "block progress" in a business email?

Yes, it is perfectly appropriate for professional settings. For example: "We must ensure that internal silos do not "block progress" on our digital transformation goals."