block them from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "block them from" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express the idea of preventing someone from doing something, for example: My parents blocked me from going to the movies with my friends.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But the soldiers had made no attempt to block them from leaving, he said.

The New York Times

Laws also block them from federal grants and loans for college.

The New York Times

Block them from your contacts and change your settings to block unknown users.

The Guardian

Afterward his spokesman conceded: "He's not going to block them from removing it.

The New York Times

That helps it quickly crowdsource the identity of new robocallers and block them from other phones.

The Washington Post

I go home, freak out and block them from communicating with me so I don't have to think about it.

The New York Times

Though the Lebanese Army tried to block them from arriving at the border fence, some reached it.

The New York Times

Two Republicans said he threatened to block them from getting any earmarks when they questioned one of his requests.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Guards barked to block them from an unoccupied V.I.P. area.

The New York Times

Challenges frustrate your ideal client and often block them from achieving goals.

Forbes

Use your "whirly bug" to bump into opponents to distract them or block them from scoring.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "block them from", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being blocked and from what action or state. This will enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "block them from" when a weaker term like "discourage" or "delay" is more appropriate. "Block" implies a complete prevention, so ensure that's the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "block them from" functions as a verb phrase acting as a prepositional complement, indicating the prevention of an action. This is supported by Ludwig AI's assessment that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples provided demonstrate its role in expressing the obstruction of various activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "block them from" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey the act of preventing someone or something from undertaking a specific action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely accepted in written English and commonly appears in various contexts, including news media, academic writings, and general communications. While synonyms like "prevent them from" and "stop them from" exist, "block them from" often implies a more direct or physical obstruction. Remember to use it accurately, ensuring that the context aligns with the meaning of complete prevention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevent them from

Focuses on stopping an action before it occurs; more direct.

stop them from

Simple and direct synonym, emphasizing immediate cessation.

hinder them from

Suggests making it difficult, but not necessarily impossible.

impede them from

Similar to hinder, implying a slowing down or obstruction.

obstruct them from

Emphasizes creating an obstacle or barrier.

restrain them from

Suggests holding back or controlling someone's actions.

deter them from

Implies discouraging someone through fear or doubt.

inhibit them from

Suggests a psychological or internal barrier.

preclude them from

Indicates making something impossible.

rule them out from

Indicates the exclusion from an activity or opportunity.

FAQs

How can I use "block them from" in a sentence?

You can use "block them from" to describe preventing someone or something from performing an action. For example, "The police tried to block them from entering the building."

What are some alternatives to "block them from"?

Alternatives include "prevent them from", "stop them from", or "hinder them from", depending on the desired nuance.

Is it always appropriate to use "block them from"?

No, it's important to consider the context. "Block" implies a complete obstruction. If the action is merely made difficult, consider alternatives like "hinder" or "impede".

What's the difference between "block them from" and ""prevent them from""?

While similar, "block" often suggests a more physical or direct obstruction, whereas "prevent" can encompass a broader range of actions that stop something from happening.