impede motion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impede motion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing obstacles or factors that hinder movement or progress. Example: "The heavy rain and flooding can impede motion on the roads, making travel difficult."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The chains are not parallel like a handful of pencils, which would impede motion, but are in a more random arrangement.

The New York Times - Science

Brain lesions or impaired spinal cord induces an interruption of corticospinal and other descending pathways, which influence the function of the reflex arc, disrupt the remaining functional use of muscles, and impede motion.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

If the object did move, there would be nothing to impede its motion.

SEP

It would be 6 feet high and 3 feet wide and 6 feet long, airless and hot, with the sleeping area so angled that he would slide off onto the floor whenever he tried to lie down, and with jutting protuberances to impede free motion.

The New York Times - Arts

These nano-precipitations not only impede dislocation motion but also accommodate plastic deformation during loading.

Materials Science and Engineering: A

Nevertheless, the particles impede dislocation motion due to the back stress which results from bowing.

Acta Materialia

Void does not impede the motion of atoms because its essential quality is that of 'yielding,' in contrast to the mutual resistance of atoms.

SEP

In most malignant tumours, diffusion is restricted due to increased cellular density and decreased extracellular matrix volume, which impede free motion of water molecules [10, 121, 122].

Insights into Imaging

This was intended so that the initiating finger doesn't impede the motion of the second finger, which actually performs the rotation.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

Peter Falt, Director of BMW Group Designworks, told me that the system was customized to "hold up to the intense forces of Olympic swimmers," but also "disappear, meaning that they are not noticeable by the swimmer or impede their motion in any way".

TechCrunch

GNB structures both screen the long-range stress fields and decrease the mean free path of mobile dislocations, whereas equiaxed cells only impede dislocation motion through their role as obstacles.

Acta Materialia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "impede motion" when you want to emphasize the action of something hindering or preventing movement, especially in technical or scientific contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "impede motion" in everyday conversation. Simpler alternatives like "block", "hinder", or "slow down" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impede motion" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating an action that hinders or prevents movement. As Ludwig confirms, it is a valid and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "impede motion" is a grammatically sound and technically appropriate way to describe the act of hindering or obstructing movement. While not overly common, as confirmed by Ludwig, it finds its primary usage in scientific and technical writing. When opting for alternatives, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, such as a complete blockage (e.g., "obstruct movement") or a slowing down (e.g., "slow down motion"). When choosing an alternative it's beneficial to be mindful of the context and register, ensuring the language suits the intended audience and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hinder movement

Focuses on making movement more difficult, with a broader application than just motion.

obstruct movement

Emphasizes a complete blockage or barrier to movement.

slow down motion

Highlights the reduction in speed rather than a complete stop.

restrict mobility

Focuses on limiting the ability to move freely.

inhibit movement

Suggests a restraining or preventing action on movement.

constrain motion

Implies a limitation or confinement of motion within certain boundaries.

retard movement

Emphasizes the slowing or delaying of movement.

curtail motion

Indicates a reduction or restriction in the extent or duration of motion.

block movement

Implies a direct and forceful prevention of movement.

hamper locomotion

Specifically refers to hindering the ability to travel or move from place to place.

FAQs

What does "impede motion" mean?

The phrase "impede motion" means to hinder or obstruct movement, making it difficult or impossible for something to move freely.

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

You can use "impede motion" to describe something that prevents or slows down movement, such as "The chains are not parallel like a handful of pencils, which would impede motion". Ludwig confirms that this is an accurate way to use it.

What are some alternatives to "impede motion"?

Alternatives to "impede motion" include "hinder movement", "obstruct movement", or "slow down motion".

Is "impede motion" formal or informal language?

"Impede motion" is generally considered formal language and is often used in technical or scientific writing rather than casual conversation. More informal alternatives include "block movement" or "slow down motion".