impede progress

USAGE SUMMARY

'impede progress' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used to talk about hindering or slowing the advance of something, such as a project. For example, you could say: "The roadworks in the area have impeded progress on the construction project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Noncompliance with obligations will impede progress.

The New York Times

But it warned that failings in investigations could impede progress.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

These achievements do not impede progress; they engender it.

The New York Times

The panel discussed factors that impede progress on global justice.

Columbia University

Even then, writing is said to hurt people's feelings, ruin the 'peace,' and impede progress.

The New Yorker

But, in fact, quotas simply compensate for the many barriers that impede progress.

The Guardian

But Mr. Kirk said his departure would not impede progress toward a deal.

The New York Times

But Mr. Kirk said that his departure would not impede progress toward a deal.

The New York Times

American officials have expressed fear that attendance has swelled so much that it could impede progress.

The New York Times

The first two reviews are primarily intended to identify developing problems that could impede progress.

Stanford University

This practice serves to impede progress in science, and should be discouraged.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the subject actively "impede[s] progress", clearly defining the cause-and-effect relationship to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "impede" interchangeably with verbs like "delay" or "slow". "Impede" suggests a more significant obstruction, while "delay" and "slow" simply refer to time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impede progress" functions as a verb phrase, where "impede" is the verb and "progress" is the direct object. It describes the act of hindering or obstructing advancement, as seen in various examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "impede progress" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that accurately describes the act of hindering or slowing down advancement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and applicable across varied contexts. Its usage spans from formal academic papers to everyday news articles, making it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary. When employing the phrase, remember to clearly define what is causing the obstruction to progress. While alternatives like "hinder progress" or "obstruct progress" exist, "impede progress" carries a nuanced meaning that makes it particularly effective in highlighting factors that create significant obstacles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hinder progress

Direct synonym; indicates a slowing or obstruction of progress with identical meaning.

obstruct progress

Similar to hinder but suggests a more forceful blocking or obstruction.

stymie progress

Suggests a complete blocking or thwarting of progress.

hamper progress

Implies making progress more difficult, like carrying a heavy load.

inhibit progress

Indicates a restraining or suppressing effect on progress.

constrain progress

Suggests limiting or restricting the scope of progress.

slow down advancement

More descriptive, focusing on the rate of progress.

delay development

Focuses on postponing or deferring development rather than progress.

retard growth

Implies hindering natural growth or development.

undermine development

Suggests weakening the foundation of development.

FAQs

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

You can use "impede progress" to describe something that is hindering or slowing down advancement. For example: "Bureaucratic processes often impede progress on important projects."

What are some alternatives to saying "impede progress"?

You can use alternatives such as "hinder progress", "obstruct progress", or "stymie progress" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "impedes progress" instead of "impede progress"?

Yes, "impedes progress" is correct when the subject is singular and third-person. For example: "This regulation impedes progress."

What is the difference between "impede progress" and "prevent progress"?

"Impede progress" suggests slowing or hindering advancement, while "prevent progress" implies stopping it completely. "Impede progress" allows for some movement, albeit slower, whereas "prevent progress" halts it entirely.