it blocks

USAGE SUMMARY

'it blocks' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something that is preventing something from happening, or when referring to something that acts as a barrier. For example: "The wall it blocks access to the garden."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They believe fluoride is instrumental in mind control because, they insist, it blocks the "third eye".

Vice

And it blocks it.

Cornell University

It blocks solutions.

The New York Times

It blocks noises around you.

University of California, Berkeley

It blocks my view of the river.

Yale University

The beauty points to something it blocks.' ".

The New York Times

It blocks an important source of funds.

The New York Times

It blocks unimaginable mountains of legitimate content.

The Guardian - Tech

It blocks passage of health care reform.

The New York Times

It blocks an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase, with devastating consequences.

The Guardian

It blocks the natural process of water circulation".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it blocks", ensure the subject and object are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of just saying "it blocks", specify what 'it' refers to and what it is blocking.

Common error

Avoid using "it blocks" when the pronoun "it" lacks a clear antecedent. Ensure the reader knows exactly what "it" refers to in the context to prevent confusion. For example, replace "The new policy was implemented, but it blocks progress" with "The new policy blocks progress".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it blocks" primarily functions as a declarative statement where "it" acts as the subject and "blocks" as the verb. This construction indicates that something is causing an obstruction or preventing something else from happening. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it blocks" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to convey the idea of obstruction or prevention. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's appropriate for written English. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and academic writing, making it a common phrase. When using "it blocks", clarity is key. Ensure the antecedent of "it" is unambiguous. While alternatives like "it prevents" or "it obstructs" exist, the best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Overall, "it blocks" is a reliable and widely understood way to express the concept of something causing an obstruction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it prevents

Focuses on the action of stopping something from happening.

it stops

A simpler, more direct way to express the idea of preventing something.

it obstructs

Emphasizes a physical or figurative barrier that impedes progress.

it hinders

Highlights the slowing down or making more difficult of a process or action.

it impedes

Similar to hinders, but often implies a more significant or formal obstruction.

it restricts

Indicates a limitation or constraint imposed on something.

it inhibits

Commonly used in scientific contexts to describe the suppression of a process or reaction.

it occludes

Suggests a complete blocking, often used in medical or scientific contexts.

it shuts out

Implies a forceful exclusion or prevention of entry.

it clogs

Suggests a blockage due to accumulation, often used for physical objects like pipes.

FAQs

How can I use "it blocks" in a sentence?

Use "it blocks" to indicate that something is preventing or obstructing something else. For example, "The heavy traffic "it blocks" my view of the mountains".

What are some alternatives to saying "it blocks"?

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

Is it grammatically correct to say "it blocks"?

Yes, "it blocks" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English sentence structure with a subject pronoun "it" and a verb "blocks".

What's the difference between "it blocks" and "it prevents"?

While both phrases indicate obstruction, "it blocks" can imply a more physical or immediate barrier, whereas "it prevents" suggests a more proactive action to stop something from happening.