block the passage of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "block the passage of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is preventing movement or access through a specific route or area. Example: "The fallen tree was able to block the passage of vehicles on the main road."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Eventually they distort or block the passage of light through the lens and interfere with vision.

Harvard University

They distort or block the passage of light through the lens.

Harvard University

In 1899 Socialist deputies overturned the parliamentary ballot box to block the passage of a measure.

Britannica

In other conformational states, they can block the passage of ions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Individual elements on the screen then block the passage of some of that illumination to create an image.

The Economist

Already, there are calls to step up the policing of Greece's maritime border with Turkey, and to block the passage of refugees entirely.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Many borders also exist only in certain contexts – blocking the passage of people but not things.

The Guardian - Opinion

A cataract clouds and stiffens the eye lens, blocking the passage of light to the back of the eyeball.

The New York Times

Neophytou said she could not see any significant barriers blocking the passage of the bill, except the parliamentary timetable.

The Guardian

A long-nosed Game and Fish biologist nagged him about fences that blocked the passage of pronghorn.

The New Yorker

It has weakened elements of the Gun Control Act of 1968, and generally blocked the passage of major gun-control legislation for decades.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "block the passage of", ensure the context clearly specifies what is being blocked and what is being prevented from moving. For example, instead of saying "the barrier blocked the passage", specify "the barrier blocked the passage of vehicles".

Common error

Avoid using "block the passage of" in overly passive constructions that obscure the actor doing the blocking. Instead of "the passage was blocked", specify who or what is blocking the passage: "the protesters blocked the passage of the bill".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "block the passage of" functions primarily as a verb phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates the act of preventing or obstructing movement, progress, or access. The phrase appears in contexts where a complete stoppage or obstruction is intended.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

25%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "block the passage of" is a versatile phrase used to describe the prevention of movement, progress, or access. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. It is prevalent in news, scientific, and academic writing. To use it effectively, specify what is being blocked and avoid overly passive constructions. Consider alternatives like "obstruct the flow of" or "impede the movement of" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obstruct the flow of

Focuses on impeding movement, particularly of fluids or continuous entities.

impede the movement of

Highlights the slowing down or hindering of movement, rather than complete blockage.

prevent the transit of

Emphasizes preventing something from going across or through.

halt the progression of

Specifically targets the cessation of forward movement or advancement.

thwart the advancement of

Indicates the prevention of progress or development, often in a more abstract sense.

restrain the mobility of

Implies limiting the ability to move freely.

inhibit the transfer of

Concentrates on stopping the transfer of something from one place to another.

curtail the advancement of

Suggests reducing or limiting the rate of progress.

arrest the motion of

Implies bringing movement to a sudden stop.

suppress the dissemination of

Focuses on stopping the spread or distribution of something.

FAQs

How can I use "block the passage of" in a sentence?

Use "block the passage of" to describe preventing movement or progress. For example: "The dam blocks the passage of the river" or "The opposition party tried to block the passage of the new law".

What are some alternatives to "block the passage of"?

You can use alternatives like "obstruct the flow of", "impede the movement of", or "prevent the transit of" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "block the passage of" or "obstruct the passage of"?

Both "block the passage of" and "obstruct the passage of" are correct and often interchangeable. However, "block" implies a complete stoppage, while "obstruct" suggests a hindrance or partial blockage.

What's the difference between "block the passage of" and "hinder the passage of"?

"Block the passage of" implies a complete prevention of movement, whereas "hinder the passage of" suggests slowing down or making the passage more difficult, but not necessarily impossible.