impinge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impinge" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of having an effect or impact on something, often in a negative or intrusive way. Example: "The new regulations may impinge on our ability to operate freely in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As the Manchester Guardian's critic at the first performance observed: "The gentleman in charge of 'noises off' becomes at times the protagonist … He can make a sound so like a train it might impinge on the nearest terminus".

The Guardian

We always said we would look at the way it's implemented and that remains the case, but again I don't want to impinge on the chancellor's budget".

The Guardian

As the bridge collapses and outside forces invade it, so the narrative starts to blur, different worlds impinge on each other, different voices speak.

The Guardian - Books

The "ugly caterpillars", as some Mumbaikars call them, block views from houses that overlook the skywalk and impinge on their privacy.

The Guardian

This is not necessarily a bad thing, given that all taxes are distorting, and that there really is no way to deal with today's outsize debt burdens that does not impinge on growth in some way.

The Guardian - Business

They impinge on the lives of perhaps millions of Americans and their children in the 13 states where they are still in place.

The Economist

WTO rules stop Canada from imposing trade sanctions on America.Global problems, such as ozone depletion or global warming, can impinge on trade too.

The Economist

He argues that the ban on beards violates his rights under a law that says prisons may only impinge on inmates' religious lives if there is a "compelling governmental interest" at stake and they use the "least restrictive means" of pursuing it.

The Economist

It's a mediator of all the voices that impinge on it.

The Economist

When European finance ministers met on June 9th, they recognised that European supervisory rulings should not impinge on national fiscal sovereignty.

The Economist

It didn't impinge on his day job, he says, because he only studied during his personal time on trips.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "impinge" when you want to convey that something has a noticeable, often negative, effect or impact on something else. It suggests a degree of intrusion or limitation.

Common error

Avoid using "impinge" in very informal settings. Simpler words like "affect" or "impact" are often more appropriate for casual conversation or writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "impinge" is as a verb. It describes the action of something having an effect or impact on something else. As Ludwig AI points out, this effect is often negative or intrusive. This is supported by examples showing its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

28%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "impinge" is a verb used to describe the action of something having an effect, often negative or intrusive, on something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While acceptable in many situations, using simpler alternatives like "affect" or "impact" might be preferable in very informal settings. The related phrases offer varying degrees of similarity, providing options for nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

affect

A more general term for having an influence on something; less specific than "impinge" about the nature of the impact.

impact

Similar to "affect", but often suggests a stronger or more immediate effect.

encroach on

Focuses on the idea of gradually intruding or trespassing upon something.

infringe on

Implies a violation of rights, laws, or boundaries.

have repercussions for

Highlights the consequences or aftereffects of an action.

bear upon

Suggests a relevance or connection to a particular matter.

make inroads into

Implies gradual but noticeable progress or influence.

press upon

Suggests a force or burden being exerted on something.

exert influence on

Highlights the act of actively affecting something.

have a bearing on

Similar to "bear upon", suggesting relevance or influence.

FAQs

How can I use "impinge" in a sentence?

The word "impinge" is used to describe something that has an effect or impact, often in a negative or intrusive way. For example: "The new regulations may "impinge" on our ability to operate freely in the market."

What can I say instead of "impinge"?

You can use alternatives like "affect", "impact", or "encroach on" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "impinge on" or "impinge upon"?

Both "impinge on" and "impinge upon" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. However, "impinge on" is more commonly used in modern English.

What's the difference between "impinge" and "infringe"?

"Impinge" generally means to have an effect or impact, while "infringe" specifically implies a violation or transgression of a law, right, or agreement.