impedes

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "impedes" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to hinder or obstruct progress or movement. Example: The heavy traffic on the highway greatly impedes our ability to get to our destination on time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a signed he editorial, he wrote: "The ad tax shrinks media resources, makes its job more difficult, limits its efficiency and impedes it from fulfilling its tasks".

The Guardian

Overindebted firms struggle to grow and invest, while tying up scarce bank capital, which impedes lending to worthier borrowers.

The Economist

The former is a matter for governments, but the risk of currency redenomination is the ECB's business because it impedes "the transmission of monetary policy".

The Economist

Unfortunately, completely blocking price signals impedes adjustment to what are often long-lived shocks, not to mention the inefficiency and corruption that controls typically spawn.

The Economist

The researchers say leaving to buy a kebab impedes "socialisation" in the schools.

The Economist

Top of the list are health care, education and roads.One result of this mistrust is that it impedes the creation of national political parties.

The Economist

That is too slow for many businessmen, and, to the extent it impedes trade and growth, too slow for the hundreds of millions in the two countries who have yet to reap much benefit from their growing economies.

The Economist

Of scandals and teacups Star wars Russia refreshed Reprints Related items Russia: Unequal abroad, punchier at homeMar 20th 1997Their top priority has to be collecting taxes--and simplifying the appallingly complex tax code that impedes collection and guarantees evasion.

The Economist

On the other hand, sheltering families that govern a company badly impedes restructuring.

The Economist

It could grow even more slowly than that if taxes rise faster, he reckons, or if stagnant productivity impedes real-income growth.This implies that for America to grow at a trend rate of about 2.5% something else will have to grow more quickly.

The Economist

It also impedes economic integration between the Maghreb countries in general.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "impedes", ensure the subject performing the action is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "Regulation impedes progress", specify "Excessive regulation impedes economic progress".

Common error

Avoid using "impedes" when a complete stop is intended; use "prevents" or "blocks" instead. "Impedes" implies slowing or hindering, not necessarily stopping entirely.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "impedes" is as a third-person singular present tense verb. It describes the action of hindering or obstructing something. Ludwig's examples confirm this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "impedes" is a third-person singular verb signifying the action of hindering or obstructing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While synonyms like "hinders" and "obstructs" exist, "impedes" carries a nuanced meaning of slowing down rather than completely stopping progress. When writing, ensure the subject of "impedes" is clear and that the word's scope aligns with the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hinders

Emphasizes a slower, less forceful obstruction compared to "impedes".

obstructs

Suggests a more direct and forceful blockage than "impedes".

restricts

Focuses on limiting or controlling, rather than completely stopping, progress.

inhibits

Implies a suppression or prevention of an action or process.

curtails

Indicates a reduction or limitation, often in scope or extent.

stifles

Suggests suppressing or preventing something from developing or expressing itself.

thwarts

Implies a frustration or defeat of a plan or effort.

cramps

Describes a restriction or inhibition of movement or development.

retards

Emphasizes the slowing down of progress or development.

blocks

Suggests a complete obstruction or barrier to progress.

FAQs

How can I use "impedes" in a sentence?

Use "impedes" to describe something that slows down or obstructs progress. For example, "Bureaucracy "impedes" innovation" or "Lack of funding "impedes" research".

What are some alternatives to saying "impedes"?

You can use alternatives like "hinders", "obstructs", or "restricts" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "impedes" and "prevents"?

"Impedes" suggests slowing down or obstructing, while "prevents" implies a complete stop or making something impossible. Use "prevents" when something is entirely halted.

What kind of words commonly work together with "impedes"?

"Impedes" often pairs with words relating to progress, development, or movement. Examples include "economic growth", "progress", "innovation", or "recovery".