block the door

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "block the door" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an obstacle that is preventing someone or something from entering or leaving a space. Example: The heavy armoire had been placed in front of the door to block it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

And reactionary educational bureaucrats still block the door to reform.The South's vices are America's, exaggerated.

The Economist

Serena often tried to block the door to keep her mother home.

The New Yorker

An iron bar normally used to block the door was on the floor.

The Guardian

Mattresses soaked with paraffin were pushed through the windows and used to block the door.

The Guardian

Suddenly, David dashed over to block the door of the cellphone store, Atlantic Wireless, Jeff said.

The New York Times

The following day pickets attempted to block the door of the school to Mr. Lisser and the students.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Don't block the doors, even if that means waiting for the next train.

The New York Times

Attention, passengers: we have a very full train today so please don't block the doors.

The New Yorker

(Currently there are long "dwell times" in East Midtown because frantic passengers squeeze into trains and block the doors).

The New York Times

Rather, upon stepping into the train, they become almost comatose and block the doors or move as if underwater.

The New York Times

By Bob Powers May 13 , 2013Attention, passengers: we have a very full train today so please don't block the doors.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "block the door" when you want to clearly communicate the act of obstructing an entrance, either physically or figuratively.

Common error

Avoid using "block from the door". The correct construction is simply "block the door". The preposition 'from' is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect in this context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "block the door" functions as a verb phrase, describing the action of obstructing or preventing access through a doorway. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "block the door" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of obstructing a doorway. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely used and easily understood. Examples show its application in both physical scenarios, such as using furniture to block an entrance, and more figurative contexts, like bureaucratic obstacles hindering progress. While synonyms exist, understanding the nuances of each alternative allows for more precise communication. When using the phrase, remember that the correct form is "block the door", not "block from the door".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obstruct the doorway

Focuses on obstructing the opening itself rather than the action of blocking.

barricade the entrance

Implies a more forceful and defensive action of blocking.

impede access to the door

More formal and emphasizes the restriction of access.

prevent entry through the door

Focuses on preventing someone from entering.

close off the door

Suggests completely sealing or shutting the door to prevent passage.

seal the doorway

Implies a permanent or very secure closure.

guard the door

Focuses on protecting the door from unwanted access.

stand in front of the door

Describes a physical presence that may or may not be intended as a barrier.

wedge the door shut

Suggests using a wedge to keep the door closed and unopenable.

jam the door

Suggests causing the door to become stuck and unopenable.

FAQs

How can I use "block the door" in a sentence?

You can use "block the door" to describe physically obstructing a doorway, as in "He used a chair to "block the door"", or figuratively, as in "Bureaucratic hurdles "block the door" to progress".

What are some synonyms for "block the door"?

Synonyms for "block the door" include "obstruct the doorway", "barricade the entrance", or "impede access to the door", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "block from the door"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. The correct phrasing is "block the door" without the preposition 'from'.

What is the difference between "block the door" and "guard the door"?

"Block the door" implies a physical obstruction, while "guard the door" suggests protecting the entrance, often by standing watch.