establish a blockade

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "establish a blockade" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to military strategy, trade restrictions, or any situation where access is being intentionally restricted. Example: "The government decided to establish a blockade to prevent the flow of goods into the country during the crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The acquisition could significantly enhance China's ability to establish a blockade around Taiwan, the report contends.

The New York Times

In the operations of a siege, when the place could not be taken by storm, and it became necessary to establish a blockade, this was done by drawing defences similar to those of a camp round the town, which was then said to be circumvallatum.

University of Chicago

Though the damage inflicted on the city was minimal, the Americans were able to establish a blockade in the city's harbor, San Juan Bay.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Once officials established a blockade this week, it became much more difficult for occupiers to leave free of consequence, he added.

The Guardian

The closure of the only land route into Qatar as well as the airspaces of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in effect established a blockade on Doha, which relies almost entirely on imports to feed its population.

The Guardian - Business

In February 1776, colonists learned of Parliament's passage of the Prohibitory Act, which established a blockade of American ports and declared American ships to be enemy vessels.

Wikipedia

The PT boats' primary mission was to prevent the Japanese from moving troops from Halmahera to Morotai by establishing a blockade of the 12 mile-wide strait between the two islands.

Wikipedia

Moscow had planned its attack and massed its forces for weeks, ready to establish two land fronts, land amphibious forces, establish a naval blockade and conduct extensive air strikes.

The New York Times

In the meantime, the Allies had finally managed to establish a complete blockade of the Dardanelles with mines and nets to prevent submarines from operating out of Constantinople.

Wikipedia

Epidural anaesthesia was used to establish a sympathetic blockade, causing a hypotensive state.

BMC Anesthesiology

Alliance defense ministers agreed in principle Thursday night to establish a naval blockade--referred to by the euphemism "visit and search --to search --toa delivery of oil to Yugosearch --to

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "establish a blockade", specify the type of blockade (e.g., naval, land, economic) and the target or area being blockaded for clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid phrasing like "A blockade was established", which can obscure who is enacting the blockade. Instead, use active voice: "The military established a blockade."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "establish a blockade" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of creating or setting up a barrier to prevent entry or exit. As Ludwig AI explains, this is a grammatically correct and usable phrase. The examples show it used in various contexts, from military strategy to economic restrictions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "establish a blockade" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for describing the action of setting up a barrier to prevent access or movement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Usage is common in news, historical accounts, and academic contexts, with a professional to neutral register. Related phrases include "impose a blockade" and "set up a blockade". When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the type and target of the blockade. Common errors involve overuse of the passive voice. This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the phrase's usage, alternatives, and potential pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impose a naval blockade

Focuses specifically on a maritime blockade, using "impose" to emphasize the act of implementing it.

set up a blockade

Emphasizes the act of physically arranging or deploying the blockade.

initiate a blockade

Highlights the commencement or starting of the blockade.

enforce a blockade

Stresses the active maintenance and upholding of the blockade.

institute a blockade

Formally establishes or ordains the blockade as a policy or action.

form a blockade

Focuses on the creation and structure of the blockade itself.

maintain a blockade

Highlights the continuous effort required to keep the blockade operational.

implement a blockade

Similar to "impose", but suggests a more procedural execution.

declare a blockade

Emphasizes the formal announcement of the blockade's existence.

put in place a blockade

Highlights the action of setting up and activating the blockade.

FAQs

How can I use "establish a blockade" in a sentence?

You can use "establish a blockade" to describe the act of setting up a barrier to prevent access to a particular area or resource, such as "The navy moved to "establish a blockade" around the enemy port".

What is a less formal alternative to "establish a blockade"?

While "establish a blockade" is generally neutral in tone, a less formal alternative might be "set up a barrier", although this lacks the specific connotations of a blockade.

Is it more appropriate to say "establish a blockade" or "impose a blockade"?

"Establish a blockade" and "impose a blockade" are often interchangeable, but "impose" suggests a more forceful or authoritative action.

What are the different types of blockades one might "establish"?

You can "establish" different types of blockades, including naval blockades (restricting sea access), land blockades (restricting land access), and economic blockades (restricting trade or financial activity).