may be impeded

USAGE SUMMARY

"may be impeded" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something could be prevented or stopped. For example: "The completion of the project may be impeded by the lack of resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Blogging may be impeded.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, its application in the real world may be impeded by liability concerns.

The New York Times - Science

North Atlantic Ocean convection may be impeded by increased freshwater input or reduced surface heat losses.

Nature

In this quite hostile landscape matrix, pollinator movements between native vegetation remnants may be impeded.

Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics

The timing for passage of the Senate version of the bill may be impeded by time-consuming amendments.

The New York Times

How could this be legal?" Arad is skeptical that Netanyahu can survive the File 3000 scandal, but he's also concerned that the investigation may be impeded by cronyism.

The New Yorker

That progress may be impeded, however, by Osborne's political conjuring trick, which threatens to give the illusion of establishing a socially just wage floor for all.

The Guardian

The group's efforts may be impeded by a new court ruling that requires the group to register as a campaign committee and abide by certain limits on spending.

The New York Times

Skyler also tells us that his narrative may be impeded by his many behavioral and cognitive disorders, including R.C.S., "repetitive compulsion syndrome," which, he explains, will make him repeat himself "ad nauseam".

The New York Times - Books

If that angle is forcibly changed to squeeze carbon atoms into some desired pattern, the electronic bond between the atoms may be strained, and the electronic linkages between atoms may be impeded or blocked altogether.

The New York Times - Science

They may be impeded by mental illness or substance abuse, or they may be victims of domestic violence -- the same conditions that may also place their children at greater risk of abuse and neglect.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be impeded", clearly state what is causing the potential obstruction to provide context and clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "may be impeded" in overly complex sentences where simpler phrasing would improve readability. Clarity should be prioritized over formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be impeded" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating a potential obstruction or hindrance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound and commonly used. The examples from Ludwig show its application across various contexts to express the possibility of something being delayed or stopped.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may be impeded" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to express the possibility of obstruction or delay. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly found in scientific and news contexts, reflecting a formal to neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the potential cause of the impediment. While synonyms like "could be hindered" or "might be obstructed" exist, "may be impeded" offers a precise way to convey uncertainty about future outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be hindered

Replaces "impeded" with "hindered", a synonym suggesting obstruction or delay.

might be obstructed

Substitutes "impeded" with "obstructed", emphasizing a physical or metaphorical blockage.

could be hampered

Uses "hampered" instead of "impeded", implying difficulty in making progress.

might be slowed down

Rephrases the idea to focus on a reduction in speed or progress.

could face obstacles

Shifts from passive voice to active voice, highlighting the challenges encountered.

might encounter difficulties

Emphasizes the potential for problems or challenges.

could be undermined

Suggests a weakening or compromising effect, rather than a direct blockage.

might be compromised

Implies that something could be negatively affected or put at risk.

could be adversely affected

Focuses on the negative impact or consequences.

might be derailed

Uses a metaphor to suggest a sudden and unexpected disruption.

FAQs

How can I use "may be impeded" in a sentence?

You can use "may be impeded" to indicate that something could be hindered or obstructed. For example, "Progress on the project "may be impeded" by a lack of funding."

What are some alternatives to "may be impeded"?

Alternatives include "could be hindered", "might be obstructed", or "could be hampered", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "may be impeded" or "might be impeded"?

"May" and "might" are often interchangeable in this context. "May be impeded" suggests a slightly higher probability than "might be impeded", but the difference is minimal.

What is the difference between "may be impeded" and "may be prevented"?

"May be impeded" implies a slowing down or obstruction, while "may be prevented" suggests complete blockage or avoidance. Use "may be prevented" when the outcome is avoided altogether, and "may be impeded" when the outcome is delayed or made more difficult.