block the program

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "block the program" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to preventing a software application from running or functioning properly. Example: "To enhance security, we need to block the program from accessing the network."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

However, these two functions block the program.

Cornell University

In Pennsylvania, the teachers union is suing to block the program.

The New York Times

Serial is implemented using interrupts so as to not block the program.

Cornell University

In a suit brought by the pharmaceutical industry, the federal appeals court in Boston refused to block the program.

The New York Times

Federal regulators pressed ahead today with plans to issue low-power FM community radio licenses despite efforts by commercial broadcasters to block the program.

The New York Times

Lawyers for various teachers' unions and other groups who sued to block the program said they would appeal to the Florida Supreme Court.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the industry lobbying group, has sued unsuccessfully to block the programs in Michigan and Florida.

The New York Times

Incredibly, the grass-roots efforts of parents often succeed by using the beleaguered voucher, despite the established public school monopoly and the efforts of powerful teachers' unions to block the programs.

The New York Times

Then there will soon be software to block the programs that block the ad-blocking.

Huffington Post

Twenty-six stagreeandee, and have signed on to a lawsuit to block the programs.

Huffington Post

That left in place a lower court's ruling, which block the programs.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing software, use "block the program" to clearly convey preventing its execution or function. For social or political contexts, be mindful of the connotations of active opposition or censorship.

Common error

Avoid using "block the program" when you actually mean to temporarily pause or suspend it. Blocking implies a more permanent or forceful prevention, whereas pausing suggests a reversible action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "block the program" primarily functions as a verb phrase. Based on Ludwig's examples, it describes the action of preventing a program from running or operating as intended. The phrase is often used in contexts related to software, policies, or initiatives.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "block the program" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of preventing a program from running or functioning correctly. As Ludwig highlights, it frequently appears in news and academic contexts. While other phrases like "prevent the program from running" or "halt the program" can be used as alternatives, "block the program" specifically suggests an intentional act of obstruction. When writing, ensure you're conveying the right level of permanence and forcefulness, as it implies a definitive preventive measure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevent the program from running

Focuses on stopping the execution of the program.

halt the program

Emphasizes an abrupt stop to the program's operation.

stop the program's execution

Specifically targets the program's runtime.

obstruct the program

Suggests creating obstacles that hinder the program.

impede the program

Implies slowing down or making the program difficult to proceed.

thwart the program

Conveys a sense of successfully preventing the program from achieving its goal.

disable the program

Indicates making the program non-operational.

shut down the program

Implies a complete termination of the program.

terminate the program

Formally ends the program's process.

restrict the program

Focuses on limiting the program's capabilities or access.

FAQs

How is "block the program" commonly used in a sentence?

The phrase "block the program" is used to describe actions taken to prevent a program from running or functioning as intended. For instance, "The firewall is designed to "block the program" from accessing the internet."

What can I say instead of "block the program"?

You can use alternatives like "prevent the program from running", "halt the program", or "disable the program" depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it better to say "block the program" or "stop the program"?

Both "block the program" and "stop the program" are acceptable, but "block the program" often implies a more deliberate or forceful prevention. "Stop the program" can be more general, simply indicating the cessation of activity.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "block the program"?

It's appropriate to use "block the program" in discussions related to software security, legal challenges to initiatives, or any scenario where there's an active effort to prevent something from operating. For example, "The court order sought to "block the program" from being implemented."