hinder the ability

USAGE SUMMARY

'hinder the ability' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to something that is blocking, impeding, or preventing a person's capability or opportunity to do something. For example, "The snowstorm hindered the ability of the rescuers to reach the stranded hikers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Governor Walker claimed his proposal wasn't meant to hinder the ability to receive critical government assistance.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We simply must not make any changes which could, despite the best of intentions, hinder the ability of our troops successfully to fulfill their missions".

The New York Times

What people then do with those capabilities is more or less up to them, as long as they don't hinder the ability of others to exercise theirs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Militants often hide in civilian homes, so a complete ban on airstrikes could hinder the ability of American forces to pursue the Taliban.

The New York Times

Secondary conditions associated with a disability, such as weakness or pain, may further hinder the ability of aging individuals to be physically active.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Importantly, introducing a phased timetable for the introduction of the liquidity coverage ratio … will ensure that the new liquidity standard will in no way hinder the ability of the global banking system to finance a recovery," he said.

The Guardian - Business

A loosening of marketing restrictions that allows drug makers to promote off-label uses would hinder the ability of the F.D.A. to protect public health, said Mr. Scheineson, who worked in the 1990s as an associate commissioner of the agency.

The New York Times

A United Nations official, defending the immunity argument, wrote to the judge that any measure that might hinder the ability of a mission to function would contravene the United Nations Charter.

The New York Times

Most of the industry has long fought against significant increases in fuel economy standards, arguing that they would hinder the ability to build light trucks, which now account for more than half of new-car sales in the United States.

The New York Times

If incomes continue to lag behind the increase in prices, it may hinder the ability of ordinary workers to spend money at a healthy clip, undermining one of the pillars of the expansion so far.

The New York Times

This time the worry is that the euro-zone debt crisis could eventually hinder the ability of European banks to fund loans and meet other financial obligations in the U.S.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hinder the ability", ensure that the subject performing the hindering action is clearly identified. For example, specify what policy, condition, or circumstance is impeding the ability in question.

Common error

Avoid using "hinder the ability" in overly general statements without specifying what specific abilities are being hindered and how. Provide concrete examples to strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hinder the ability" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of impeding or obstructing someone's capability to do something. Ludwig's AI confirms its usability, with many examples showing its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hinder the ability" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression across diverse fields, including science, news, and encyclopedias. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to communicate the obstruction or impediment of someone's capacity to perform a task. While its register is generally neutral, the phrase finds application in both professional and academic settings. For more nuanced expression, alternatives such as "impede the ability" or "obstruct the ability" may be considered, depending on the specific context. When employing "hinder the ability", ensure clarity by specifying the hindering factor and the abilities being affected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impede the ability

Replaces "hinder" with "impede", conveying a similar meaning of obstruction.

obstruct the ability

Substitutes "hinder" with "obstruct", suggesting a more forceful blocking action.

hamper the ability

Uses "hamper" instead of "hinder", indicating a less severe impediment.

inhibit the ability

Replaces "hinder" with "inhibit", suggesting a restraining or suppressing effect.

undermine the ability

Uses "undermine" in place of "hinder", implying a weakening or gradual destruction of capacity.

restrict the ability

Replaces "hinder" with "restrict", indicating a limitation or constraint on capability.

diminish the capacity

Replaces "hinder the ability" with "diminish the capacity", expressing a reduction in overall capability.

weaken the potential

Substitutes "hinder the ability" with "weaken the potential", highlighting a decrease in future possibilities.

cripple the capability

Employs "cripple" in place of "hinder", suggesting a severe impairment or disablement.

compromise the aptitude

Replaces "hinder the ability" with "compromise the aptitude", indicating a partial or temporary reduction in skill.

FAQs

How can I use "hinder the ability" in a sentence?

You can use "hinder the ability" to describe something that is obstructing someone's capability. For instance, "Lack of resources can "hinder the ability" of students to succeed".

What are some alternatives to saying "hinder the ability"?

Alternatives include phrases like "impede the ability", "obstruct the ability", or "hamper the ability". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "hinder the ability" or "hinder the abilities"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "hinder the ability" is generally used when referring to a single, general capacity. "Hinder the abilities" is more appropriate when referring to multiple, distinct capabilities.

What's the difference between "hinder the ability" and "impair the ability"?

"Hinder the ability" suggests an obstruction or impediment, while "impair the ability" implies damage or weakening. "Impair the ability" suggests a reduction in function, while "hinder the ability" indicates something is preventing the ability from being used effectively.