hobbling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hobbling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a way of walking that is unsteady or limping, often due to injury or discomfort. Example: "After twisting his ankle, he was hobbling down the street, trying to find a place to rest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the main explanation is more prosaic: ministers are grasping around for new ways to boost Britain's hobbling economy.

The Economist

This directive was applied unevenly, but the army has since complained that legal uncertainty is hobbling its operations.

The Economist

Last month it defaulted on a loan from HSBC, a big foreign bank.There have long been concerns about a property bubble in China, but Kaisa's troubles have nothing to do with that: its finances had been strong until its chairman abruptly resigned in December, the government halted some of its projects, and banks froze some of its accounts hobbling its operations.

The Economist

Politicians have blamed short-sellers for hobbling both European banks and governments, with little evidence to back that up.

The Economist

But there is no hiding the low oil price and the lack of rain that are hobbling the two sectors that make up 40% of Syria's economy.

The Economist

They were held together by friendship and a wish to be rid of the hobbling academicism of much American poetry in the 1940s.Koch's new book, "One Train" (Knopf; $25. Carcanet; £7.95), is, as usual, driven along feverishly by a kind of devil-may-care humour.

The Economist

As well as political turbulence, he blames a large, inefficient bureaucracy and poor education for hobbling growth.Egypt needs to spend more on education, health and research a goal enshrined in the new constitution.

The Economist

In 1801 Ireland, too, was assimilated into the union by treaty.In this section Let England shake Devo Manc Hard work for the kirk The branch bites back Hip and hobbling The dreary world of Ed Miliband ReprintsFor many years the cracks between the United Kingdom's parts were subtle; "English" and "British" were used interchangeably.

The Economist

So why is Mr Cameron's government pursuing an immigration policy that is creating red tape, stifling entrepreneurs and hobbling Britain?The country has, in effect, installed a "keep out" sign over the white cliffs of Dover.

The Economist

When it comes to the local economy, he says, "we're much more sophisticated than that".In this section Let England shake Devo Manc Hard work for the kirk The branch bites back Hip and hobbling The dreary world of Ed Miliband ReprintsNationally, an ageing population is a problem.

The Economist

Many states will continue to allow them, arguing that they are a useful tool for hobbling drug dealers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hobbling", ensure the subject is something that can realistically be hindered or slowed down, such as an economy, progress, or operations. Avoid using it for abstract concepts that don't align with the imagery of impeded movement.

Common error

Avoid using "hobbling" passively when an active agent is responsible for the hindrance. Instead of saying "The project was hobbling", specify who or what was "hobbling" the project to provide clarity and accountability.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "hobbling" is that of a present participle, often functioning as an adjective modifying a noun (e.g., "hobbling economy") or as part of a continuous verb tense. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in describing something that is hindering or slowing progress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hobbling" functions as a present participle, commonly used to describe something being hindered or slowed down. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and sees frequent use across diverse contexts, primarily in news and media. While alternative phrases like "hindering" and "impeding" exist, "hobbling" carries a specific nuance of difficulty and impediment. To ensure clarity, use "hobbling" actively and appropriately, avoid misattributing agency, and be mindful of the image it evokes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hindering

Focuses on preventing or delaying progress, similar to "hobbling" but without the connotation of difficulty.

impeding

Emphasizes obstructing or blocking, closely related to "hobbling" but often used in more formal contexts.

hampering

Suggests interfering with smooth progress, akin to "hobbling" but with a slightly lighter impact.

stifling

Indicates suppressing or restraining, similar to "hobbling" in terms of limiting growth or development.

crippling

Implies severe damage or impairment, a stronger and more drastic version of "hobbling".

weakening

Focuses on reducing strength or effectiveness, sharing the aspect of diminishing capacity with "hobbling".

undermining

Suggests gradually weakening or damaging something, similar to the long-term effects implied by "hobbling".

slowing down

Describes the act of decreasing speed or progress, less formal than "hobbling" but conveys a similar idea.

restricting

Highlights the act of limiting or controlling, which can result in "hobbling" progress or development.

inhibiting

Indicates preventing or suppressing an action or process, similar to "hobbling" in its effect of limiting progress.

FAQs

How can I use "hobbling" in a sentence?

You can use "hobbling" to describe something that is slowing down or hindering progress. For example, "Legal uncertainty is "hobbling its operations"".

What are some alternatives to the word "hobbling"?

Alternatives to "hobbling" include "hindering", "impeding", or "hampering", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'the economy is hobbling'?

Yes, it's correct. "Hobbling" can be used to describe an economy that is struggling or not performing well, as in 'ministers are grasping around for new ways to boost Britain's "hobbling economy"'.

What's the difference between "hobbling" and "crippling"?

"Hobbling" suggests a less severe form of hindrance or slowing down, while "crippling" implies a more serious and damaging impact. "Hobbling" suggests difficulty, while "crippling" suggest serious or permanent damage.