impinge on

USAGE SUMMARY

"impinge on" is a correct and usable term in written English.
It is a phrasal verb which means to have a negative effect on something, typically a person's ability to do something. For example: "The new regulations impinge on our freedom of speech."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Will the increased sale of used books impinge on demand for new ones?

The New York Times - Magazine

Impinge on Central Park?

The New York Times - Arts

It will therefore impinge on wilderness.

The New York Times

Didn't impinge on me at all.

The Guardian - Arts

I don't impinge on the world of teenagers and they don't impinge on mine.

Independent

Like the best technology, it didn't impinge on your consciousness.

The Guardian - Tech

Critics of these panels said they impinge on national sovereignty".

The New Yorker

Obviously, though, national conditions impinge on the vote.

The New Yorker

Mr. Cardozo said nobody wanted to impinge on anyone's rights.

The New York Times

Those grim statistics don't seem to impinge on Clarkston.

The New Yorker

The indictment will likely impinge on their ability to travel.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "impinge on" when you want to convey that something has a noticeable and usually negative effect on something else, particularly freedom, rights, or space. For example, "The new regulations may "impinge on" individual liberties."

Common error

Avoid using "impinge on" when a more neutral term like "affect" or "influence" would be more appropriate. "Impinge on" carries a negative connotation, so reserve it for situations where the impact is undesirable or restrictive.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "impinge on" is that of a phrasal verb. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase functions to express a negative impact or restriction, often relating to rights, freedom, or boundaries. Examples from Ludwig show its use in diverse contexts, such as legal, social, and personal situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "impinge on" is a commonly used phrasal verb that signifies a negative impact or restriction. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Its usage is prevalent in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. When using "impinge on", ensure that the context warrants the negative connotation, and consider alternatives like "affect" or "influence" for more neutral scenarios. The examples on Ludwig provide valuable insight into the phrase's diverse applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

infringe on

Implies a violation or restriction, particularly of rights or laws, making it a more formal and legalistic alternative.

encroach on

Similar to "impinge on", but specifically refers to gradually intruding on someone's territory, rights, or time.

intrude on

Similar to encroach, emphasizing the unwelcome or disruptive nature of the impact.

affect

This is a general term for having an impact, broader than "impinge on" which suggests a negative or restrictive effect.

restrict

Focuses on limiting or controlling something, whereas "impinge on" implies a broader negative effect.

constrain

Similar to restrict, emphasizing the limitation of freedom or action.

impact

A more neutral term for having an effect, without the negative connotation often associated with "impinge on".

influence

Suggests a more subtle and indirect effect than "impinge on", focusing on persuasion or guidance.

have repercussions for

Highlights the consequences or aftereffects of an action, rather than the direct impact itself.

bear upon

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying "affect", often used in academic or legal contexts.

FAQs

What does "impinge on" mean?

"Impinge on" means to have a negative effect or impact on something, often restricting or encroaching upon it. It suggests an unwelcome or undesirable influence.

How can I use "impinge on" in a sentence?

You can use "impinge on" to describe something that negatively affects or restricts something else. For example, "The new laws "impinge on" our freedom of speech."

What are some alternatives to "impinge on"?

Alternatives to "impinge on" include "affect", "encroach on", "infringe on", and "influence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "impact on" instead of "impinge on"?

While "impact on" is a more general term for having an effect, "impinge on" specifically implies a negative or restrictive impact. The choice depends on the intended meaning.