hamper

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "hamper" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a verb meaning "to impede or slow the progress or effect of something". For example, "The strong winds hampered the firefighters efforts to put out the fire".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Excess security will hamper trust between communicating parties and increase frustration.

The Guardian

Injuries were beginning to hamper the midfielder's dynamism and his love affair with Parma ended in 2000, when he was sold to Lazio.

The Guardian - Sport

So why don't we shut down the phone networks to hamper terrorism?

The Guardian - Opinion

Avalon, which presented him with a Kindle, was most generous, but Cohen also received an M&S hamper from Splice and some Fortnum & Mason tea and biscuits courtesy of Garrow's Law maker Twenty Twenty.

The Guardian

Rachael Adams, a master's student at the University of Sunderland, says: "I received a hamper made by a close friend a few years ago.

The Guardian

A weekend break including entrance to CAT, welcome hamper and reiki session costs from £329 (extra nights from £60).

The Guardian - Travel

Departing on May 5, prices start from £600 per person and include return flights to Cephalonia from London Heathrow or Manchester (including taxes), transfers, a welcome hamper and seven days' car hire.

The Guardian - Travel

In her first major speech on the economy since the general election, Scotland's first minister argued that the proposed cuts would hamper the economic recovery and make reducing the deficit harder.

The Guardian

The head of the NHS in England has warned that its financial problems could hamper the government's plans to introduce a seven-day health service, as a former health minister said they were unachievable without a significant funding boost.

The Guardian

So either the athlete squads for other sports will need to be reduced, or some of the less telegenic sports such as squash may have to be axed.The organisers are reluctant to indulge in straightforward cost-paring, fearing that this would reduce the quality of the games and hamper efforts to secure sponsorship deals of £25m-30m, now being sought by IMG, a sports-marketing company.

The Economist

But setting aside this public-relations disaster, which could significantly hamper the Guggenheim's work in filling this museum, the Saadiyat complex poses a larger question: will people come?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hamper", ensure the subject clearly indicates what is being hindered or impeded. This provides clarity and strengthens the sentence's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "hamper" when a complete stop is implied; "halt" or "prevent" would be more appropriate. "Hamper" suggests a slowdown or impediment, not a full cessation.

Linguistic Context

The verb "hamper" functions to describe the act of impeding or hindering something. Ludwig examples showcase how "hamper" is used to indicate a slowdown or obstruction, rather than a complete stop. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

29%

Science

29%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hamper" is a verb that means to impede or hinder. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. It is suitable for a wide range of contexts, from news reporting and business communications to scientific writing. While highly versatile, it's important to remember that "hamper" implies a slowdown or obstruction, not a complete halt. Alternatives like "impede", "hinder", and "obstruct" can be used to add nuance. Remember to clearly define what is being "hampered" for maximum clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impede

Emphasizes obstruction or delay in progress.

hinder

Suggests making it difficult for someone to do something.

obstruct

Implies creating an obstacle or blockage.

restrict

Indicates placing limitations or constraints.

inhibit

Highlights a restraining or suppressing effect.

constrain

Focuses on forcibly restricting or limiting.

encumber

Suggests burdening or weighing down.

slow down

Emphasizes a reduction in speed or pace.

hold back

Indicates restraining from progress or action.

curtail

Implies reducing or limiting something.

FAQs

How can I use "hamper" in a sentence?

You can use "hamper" to indicate that something is hindering or impeding progress. For example, "The lack of funding will "hamper" the project's development".

What are some alternatives to using the word "hamper"?

Alternatives to "hamper" include "impede", "hinder", and "obstruct". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "hamper progress"?

Yes, it is correct to say "hamper progress". It means to impede or slow down the advancement of something. For example, "Bureaucratic delays can "hamper" progress on important initiatives".

What is the difference between "hamper" and "prevent"?

"Hamper" means to impede or hinder, whereas "prevent" means to stop something from happening altogether. "The rain hampered our picnic plans" means the picnic was made difficult, while "The police prevented the crime" means the crime did not occur.