blockages

USAGE SUMMARY

"blockages" is a correct word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a physical or metaphorical obstruction or obstacle. An example sentence is: "The blockages in the road caused traffic to slow down significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

About a third of these blockages were attributed to lack of social care services.

The Guardian

It says efforts to contain the spread were thwarted by "political blockages".

The Guardian

According to NHS England, one in five hospital beds was occupied over the Christmas period by someone ready for discharge but unable to move on because of blockages in the system.

The Guardian

It also includes a lot of schemes sometimes called "smart management" – using remotely controlled speed and diversion signs, ramp metering, and rapid response traffic management officers on patrol, to keep traffic at an ideal flow rate, open hardshoulder lanes to vehicles if necessary, and clear blockages as quickly as possible.

The Guardian

Many of the hundreds of hours I spent in discussion with the parties were not simply about specific blockages or details of the negotiation, but rather about absorbing and trying to comprehend why they felt as they did and communicating that feeling to the other side.

The Guardian - Opinion

His strategy is to use it to embarrass the politicians into doing his bidding, and to intervene directly to remove blockages to progress in the landownership wrangles, for example, that can delay the big infrastructure projects Indonesia so badly needs.

The Economist

(Some blockages are in America: the Senate has yet to ratify an amended tax treaty with Switzerland that would ease disclosure).

The Economist

Several forces have helped flush out the blockages.

The Economist

Efforts are under way to mend these, but regulators have been slow to attend to some worrying new blockages arising from today's high-frequency and tightly coupled markets.Clearing is getting better.

The Economist

A woman as old as independent India (it turns 68 in August) explains: "We are not young in age, so we get stiff and need to uncurl the body".India needs to clear its own internal blockages.

The Economist

But whatever the outcome of the Atkinson review, other evidence suggests blockages in translating extra money into better public services.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "blockages", consider whether a more specific term, such as "obstructions" or "occlusions", would be more appropriate for the context.

Common error

Avoid using "blockages" when you mean "blockades", which refers to a specific type of obstruction, usually a military or political action to prevent access to a place or area.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "blockages" is as a plural noun. It typically functions as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause, denoting multiple obstructions or impediments, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "blockages" is a grammatically correct and frequently used plural noun. Ludwig AI confirms that "blockages" can be used to refer to physical or metaphorical obstructions. It commonly appears in News & Media and Encyclopedias. When using "blockages", consider if a more specific term is appropriate for the context, and avoid confusing it with "blockades". Related phrases include "obstructions", "impediments", and "occlusions". Knowing how to wield this term with precision will enhance your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obstructions

Emphasizes a physical hindrance or barrier, similar to a "blockage".

obstructions

Suggests something that obstructs or hinders progress.

impediments

Focuses on something that delays or prevents progress.

stoppages

Highlights the act of stopping or preventing movement.

hindrances

Similar to impediments, emphasizing something that holds back progress.

occlusions

Often used in a medical context to describe a blocked blood vessel or duct.

roadblocks

Refers to obstacles that prevent progress, often in a metaphorical sense.

bottlenecks

Implies a point of congestion that slows down a process or flow.

interruptions

Highlights a temporary cessation or disruption of flow or progress.

restrictions

Focuses on limitations or constraints that prevent free movement or action.

FAQs

How can I use "blockages" in a sentence?

You can use "blockages" to describe both physical obstructions (e.g., "The storm caused road blockages") and metaphorical impediments (e.g., "Political blockages hindered the peace process").

What are some alternatives to "blockages"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "obstructions", "impediments", or "stoppages".

Is it correct to use "blockages" in a formal context?

Yes, "blockages" is appropriate for formal contexts, especially when discussing obstacles or impediments in a clear and concise manner. Consider if a more precise term might be even better suited for the specific situation.

What's the difference between "blockages" and "bottlenecks"?

"Blockages" generally refers to any kind of obstruction, while "bottlenecks" specifically describes a point of congestion that slows down a process or flow.