blocked passage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "blocked passage" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a physical obstruction, such as an obstacle or barricade, that prevents someone from entering or leaving an area. For example, "She couldn't enter the alleyway because there was a blocked passage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Congressional Republicans blocked passage of the card-check bill.

The New York Times

Only a Republican filibuster in the state senate blocked passage.

The New York Times

In November, Senate Democrats narrowly blocked passage of a bill authorizing construction of the pipeline.

The Washington Post

Riot police blocked passage to the university, and teachers got caught in the crosshairs of tear gas and armed men.

The New Yorker

The employment minister, Michaelia Cash, has vowed to toughen up the registered organisations bill, despite the fact the Senate blocked passage of the existing, weaker bill.

The Guardian

At intervals, all the sewers contained wheel-shaped metal barriers, whose spokes generally extended around the entire circumference of the channel and blocked passage through it.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

He drew chimneys smoking, or flues in which figures were trapped; blocked passages, and doors opening on darkness.

The Economist

Alternately, the compartments might represent the dead spaces, blocked passages, or binding sites identified by Nicholson and co-workers.

ACS Chemical Neuroscience

If you find your mineshaft quite often gets cave-ins you may find this a useful technique to clear blocked passages.

WikiHow

"It's impossible to block passage," he said.

The New Yorker

Yet a few lawmakers in the Senate beholden to insurance companies continue to block passage.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical barrier, use "blocked passage" to clearly indicate that something is preventing movement through a specific area. For example, "The landslide blocked passage on the mountain road."

Common error

Avoid using "blocked passage" in purely abstract or figurative contexts where a more suitable term like "hindered progress" or "prevented access" would be more appropriate. "Blocked passage" is most effective when referring to a tangible obstruction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blocked passage" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the state of being obstructed or impassable. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

30%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "blocked passage" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe an obstruction that prevents movement. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for describing tangible barriers. The usage analysis reveals that it is commonly found in news and media contexts, as well as in scientific and technical writing. While generally neutral in tone, it leans toward formality and should be avoided in abstract contexts where alternatives like "prevented access" or "impeded progress" may be more appropriate. Remember to use "blocked passage" when you need to express that a pathway is physically impassable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevented entry

Highlights the act of stopping someone or something from entering.

obstructed path

Emphasizes the physical blockage of a route or way.

obstructed access

Focuses on the inability to gain entry or use a pathway.

halted movement

Indicates a complete stop in motion.

barricaded route

Highlights the presence of a barrier on a specific path.

impeded progress

Emphasizes the slowing down or hindering of advancement.

interrupted transit

Focuses on the disruption of passage from one point to another.

restricted flow

Refers to limiting the passage of liquids, gases, or other substances.

closed off

Suggests a complete sealing or barricading of a route.

stopped crossing

Specifically refers to preventing movement across something.

FAQs

How can I use "blocked passage" in a sentence?

You can use "blocked passage" to describe a physical obstruction, such as "The fallen tree blocked passage on the trail" or "The collapsed building blocked passage through the street".

What are some alternatives to "blocked passage"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "obstructed access", "impeded progress", or "prevented entry".

Is it correct to say "passage was blocked" instead of "blocked passage"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct. "Blocked passage" functions as a noun phrase, while "passage was blocked" is a passive construction of a verb phrase. The choice depends on the desired emphasis and sentence structure.

In what situations is "blocked passage" most appropriate?

"Blocked passage" is most appropriate when describing a physical barrier or obstruction that prevents movement or transit through a specific area or route.