impede circulation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impede circulation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that hinders or obstructs the movement of something (e.g., blood, air, etc.). For example, "The clogged arteries in his legs were causing him pain, due to the fact that they were impeding circulation."

✓ Grammatically correct

City, Territory and Architecture

WikiHow

Yale University

The New York Times

Critical Care

The Guardian

Columbia University

Wikipedia

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

European Journal of Pediatrics

BMC Cancer

Breast Cancer Research

Current Opinion in Ophthalmology

Journal of Applied Volcanology

BioMed Research International

Encyclopedia Britannica

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Harvard University

Cornell University

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Ordinances may thus now apply, for example, to all situations that allegedly favour crime; or those that impede circulation, or detract from the city's "image", such as vagrancy, prostitution or begging: in short, behaviour that allegedly disturbs or annoys citizens.

City, Territory and Architecture

Since spider veins are caused by poor blood flow and circulation, it's important to avoid positions that impede circulation and use positions that aid it.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

According to one recent study, the ocean has been losing oxygen since the mid-1980s, likely because rising temperatures have impeded circulation.

Yale University

Researchers think excess glucose causes trouble in part by thickening the blood, which impedes circulation, and by binding to needed enzymes and other important proteins and sabotaging their function.

The New York Times

The bandage should provide sufficient pressure to avoid further blood vessel ruptures, but should not be so tight that it impedes circulation to the area.

WikiHow

But after, say, six inches it is a waste of water and preservatives and can impede air circulation between the stems.

The New York Times

Interestingly, brain oedema may hinder the insertion of an invasive device or may even impede free circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricular system, rendering global ICP measurements questionable [ 2, 3].

Critical Care

Prolonged use may impede blood circulation, so when the site starts to feel numb, be sure to remove the cold pack.

WikiHow

But no more than 20percentt can be plugged without impeding the circulation of the steam — and less in some cases — before the generator has to be changed.

The New York Times

However, the facial surgery registrar said the swelling was impeding blood circulation and my incisors would turn black and fall out.

The Guardian

Some cases of CTS is thought to be unrelated to any specific cause, but there may be an increased risk of getting CTS if you have a medical condition which impedes the circulation and supply of oxygen to the nerves of the wrist.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing medical conditions, use "impede circulation" to describe factors that hinder blood flow, such as constricted blood vessels or blood clots. Be mindful of the specific type of circulation being affected (e.g. blood, air, water) for clarity.

Common error

While "impede circulation" is versatile, avoid using it in contexts where a more specific term would be more accurate. For example, instead of saying 'the crowd impeded circulation in the hallway', consider 'the crowd obstructed passage in the hallway'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impede circulation" functions as a verb phrase where "impede" is the verb, meaning to hinder or obstruct, and "circulation" is the noun, referring to the movement of blood, air, or other fluids. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and used to describe something blocking movement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "impede circulation" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the obstruction or hindering of flow, whether it's blood, air, or other fluids. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. While it's versatile, it's important to use it in contexts where it accurately conveys the intended meaning. Consider alternatives like "obstruct circulation" or "hinder blood flow" for more specific nuances. When writing, be mindful of overly broad usage and ensure the phrase accurately reflects the specific type of circulation being affected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obstruct circulation

Uses a synonym for "impede", maintaining a similar level of formality.

inhibit circulation

Uses a more formal synonym for "impede", suitable for scientific or technical contexts.

hinder blood flow

Focuses specifically on blood, implying a more medical context.

restrict blood flow

Emphasizes the limitation of blood flow, often due to physical constraints.

disrupt circulation

Suggests an interruption rather than a complete blockage.

block circulation

Suggests a complete or near-complete blockage of circulation.

slow down circulation

Indicates a reduction in the speed of circulation, not necessarily a complete obstruction.

compromise circulation

Implies that the effectiveness or health of the circulation is negatively affected.

reduce blood supply

Focuses on the consequence of impeded circulation, which is a decreased supply of blood.

affect circulation negatively

A more general phrasing, indicating a negative impact on circulation.

FAQs

How can I use "impede circulation" in a sentence?

You can use "impede circulation" to describe something that hinders or obstructs the flow of blood, air, or another fluid. For example, "Tight clothing can "impede circulation" to the extremities".

What are some alternatives to "impede circulation"?

Alternatives include "hinder blood flow", "obstruct circulation", or "disrupt circulation", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "impede blood circulation" or just "impede circulation"?

While "impede circulation" is generally understood to refer to blood flow in medical contexts, specifying "impede blood circulation" can add clarity, especially when discussing other types of circulation, like air circulation.

What conditions might "impede circulation"?

Conditions like peripheral artery disease, blood clots, and varicose veins can "impede circulation". Additionally, external factors such as tight clothing or prolonged sitting can also contribute.