it impedes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it impedes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that obstructs or hinders progress or action. Example: "The heavy traffic during rush hour often impedes my ability to arrive at work on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In fact, any accumulation of exudate or blood underneath the graft jeopardizes its survival as it impedes adherence and penetration of new capillaries.

BioMed Research International

A persistent anti-cyclonic storm, it impedes the progress of the white clouds to its right - funnelling them into streaming tendrils below.

BBC

Instead of supporting, it impedes.

The Guardian - Opinion

It impedes and stifles it," he says.

The Guardian

Don't use nonstick here; it impedes browning.

The New York Times - Food

First, it impedes harmonization of securities regulations among European states.

Columbia University

But when that inflammation hangs on for too long, it impedes rather than speeds healing.

Stanford University

"Once you understand economic inequality, you understand how it impedes economic efficiency and impedes growth.

Columbia University

Whether discrimination is overt, subconscious, or based on statistical profiling, it impedes black economic progress.

The New Yorker

It impedes health, economic growth, the rule of law, women's empowerment and lifetime prospects for youth.

The Guardian

Osaka has spoken openly of her tendency to get negative, and how it impedes her game.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it impedes", ensure the subject it refers to is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The regulation impedes progress", clarify with "The new regulation impedes economic progress".

Common error

Avoid using "impede on". The correct form is simply "impede". "Impede" is a transitive verb and does not require the preposition "on".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it impedes" primarily functions as a verb phrase within a sentence. It expresses the action of hindering, obstructing, or slowing down something. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, indicating a cause-and-effect relationship where 'it' (the subject) negatively impacts another element.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it impedes" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe something that hinders or obstructs progress. Ludwig's analysis indicates its prevalence across diverse fields, including news, science, and academia. While generally neutral to formal, avoid the incorrect form "impede on". Consider alternatives like "it hinders" or "it obstructs" for nuanced meaning. Use it precisely to highlight obstacles and negative impacts in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it hinders

Replaces "impedes" with "hinders", a direct synonym with slightly less formal connotation.

it obstructs

Substitutes "impedes" with "obstructs", another synonym, emphasizing a physical or tangible barrier.

it hampers

Employs "hampers", a more formal synonym for "impedes", implying difficulty and frustration.

it blocks

Uses "blocks" instead of "impedes", suggesting a complete stoppage or prevention.

it disrupts

Substitutes "impedes" with "disrupts", focusing on the disturbance or interruption of a process.

it slows down

Replaces "impedes" with the phrasal verb "slows down", indicating a reduction in speed or progress.

it interferes with

Replaces "impedes" with "interferes with", highlighting disruption and unwanted involvement.

it gets in the way of

Uses the idiomatic expression "gets in the way of", suggesting an obstruction to progress.

it encumbers

Replaces "impedes" with "encumbers", indicating a burden or obstacle that slows progress.

it retards

Employs "retards", a more formal and somewhat outdated synonym, suggesting a slowing down or delaying effect.

FAQs

What does "it impedes" mean?

"It impedes" means that something is obstructing, hindering, or slowing down progress or action. It suggests a barrier or obstacle that makes it difficult to achieve a desired outcome.

What can I say instead of "it impedes"?

You can use alternatives like "it hinders", "it obstructs", or "it slows down" depending on the context.

How to use "it impedes" in a sentence?

Use "it impedes" to show that something is preventing or delaying progress. For example: "The lack of funding impedes the project's completion."

Is "impede on" correct instead of "it impedes"?

No, "impede on" is incorrect. The correct usage is "it impedes". The verb "impede" doesn't need the preposition "on".