inhibits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inhibits" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that restrains, limits, or prevents a process or action. Example: "The medication inhibits the growth of bacteria, making it effective in treating infections."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We have the Americana awards – not televised thankfully because it think it inhibits the spirit of the evening – but you see these very creative, interesting people who come from roots music, but they're reinventing it".

The Guardian - Music

Dr Carhart-Harris points out that defining a drug as illegal creates a stigma that puts off investment from pharmaceutical manufacturers, which inhibits research.

The Guardian

Nicotine inhibits the body's production of insulin and glucagon, both hormones that maintain a constant blood-sugar level.

The Guardian - Books

Still, it is striking, and a bit odd, that a festival founded on such a sombre note only six years ago now features big-market fluff like "Baby Mama" and "Speed Racer".But the frantic atmosphere inhibits questioning.

The Economist

Furthermore, the differences between the two groups increased with age, leading her to hypothesise that knowing and using two languages inhibits the mind's decline.The tests she used rely on a phenomenon known as the Simon effect, in which cognitive clashes cause a person's reaction time to slow down.

The Economist

Kids endowed with this sort of home environment tend, not surprisingly, to do well in school and go on to study at university.Mainstream public schools, however are awash with children from homes in which education is a low priority and where the home environment actually inhibits academics.

The Economist

Many therapists find the life styles of their patients so seductive it inhibits treatment.

The Economist

One, called TSA, inhibits the enzyme that removes acetyl groups.

The Economist

It inhibits both the germination of seedlings and the growth of adult plants, so it must be collected and dumped at approved sites.This is a pity for two reasons.

The Economist

Therefore, he argues, there is likely to be an evolved mechanism that identifies certain goals as unattainable and inhibits their pursuit and he believes that low mood is at least part of that mechanism.It is a neat hypothesis, but is it true?

The Economist

"The personal income-tax burden is the highest in the G7, which increases the brain drain and inhibits investment," he says.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inhibits", ensure the subject clearly identifies what is being restricted or prevented. For example, "High taxes inhibits investment" is clearer than "It inhibits investment."

Common error

Avoid using "inhibits" in overly complex sentences where simpler verbs like "prevents" or "reduces" would improve clarity. For example, instead of "The intricate regulatory framework, characterized by multifaceted stipulations and bureaucratic procedures, inhibits the seamless integration of innovative technologies", consider "The complex regulatory framework prevents the integration of new technologies".

Linguistic Context

The word "inhibits" functions as a transitive verb, indicating an action performed by a subject that directly affects an object. It describes the act of restraining, hindering, or preventing something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "inhibits" is a versatile transitive verb used to describe the action of restraining, hindering, or preventing something. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in formal contexts like News & Media and Science. When writing, ensure that the subject and object are clearly defined for clarity. While "inhibits" is generally suitable, consider alternatives like "restrains" or "hinders" for slight nuances in meaning. Avoiding its overuse in complex sentences can improve readability and make your writing more impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

restricts

Highlights setting limits or boundaries on something.

impedes

Highlights the act of slowing down or obstructing progress.

hinders

Suggests making it difficult for something to occur or progress.

restrains

Focuses on limiting or controlling something, often implying a degree of force or authority.

obstructs

Implies creating a barrier or blockage.

curtails

Emphasizes reducing or cutting something short.

suppresses

Conveys the idea of forcefully stopping something from happening or being expressed.

stifles

Emphasizes preventing expression or development, often through suffocation or constraint.

deters

Focuses on discouraging someone from doing something through fear or doubt.

counteracts

Emphasizes acting against something to reduce its effect.

FAQs

How can I use "inhibits" in a sentence?

Use "inhibits" to describe something that restricts, slows down, or prevents a process or action. For example: "The drug "inhibits" the growth of bacteria".

What are some alternatives to "inhibits"?

You can use alternatives such as "restrains", "hinders", or "impedes" depending on the specific context. Each carries slightly different nuances related to the nature of the restriction.

Is it better to say "inhibits" or "prevents"?

The choice between "inhibits" and "prevents" depends on the degree of restriction. "Inhibits" suggests a slowing down or partial blocking, while "prevents" implies a complete stop. Use "prevents" when the action is entirely blocked.

What's the difference between "inhibits" and "restricts"?

"Inhibits" refers to hindering or reducing an activity or process, whereas "restricts" indicates setting a limit or boundary. "The law restricts immigration" sets a limit, while "Fear inhibits investment" reduces the likelihood of investment.