might impair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might impair" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a possibility that something could cause harm or damage to a person, object, or situation. Example: "Excessive screen time might impair your vision over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Reflection, it has been said, might impair our "moral clarity".

The New York Times

That might impair the lucrative socialism these capitalists enjoy.

The New York Times

"But I worry that controversy around the memorial might impair it as an instrument of healing".

The New York Times

His manner with patients was acceptable, although consultants also noted "a willingness to please that might impair judgment".

The New York Times - Health

Calpers also took Mr. Prince to task for business relationships that might "impair" his objectivity as a board member.

The New York Times

Because it is hard to explain and easy to demagogue, it could foster a confusing debate that might impair confidence just when confidence needs to be revived.

The New York Times

The report found that 14 percent of those checked tested positive for some kind of drug that might impair driving.

The New York Times

But the inverse possibility — that too much thinking might impair physical performance — has received far less attention.

The New York Times

The only negative surprise for AOL has been the unexpected regulatory scrutiny, which might impair its ability to profit from high-speed services using Time Warner's cable systems.

The New York Times

"Don't look at me, Daddy," I said, because I knew that the smallest crack of emotion might impair my ability to do my job of delivering the poem.

The New Yorker

Likewise, it had been suggested that vasopressin might impair hepato-splanchnic blood flow [34].

Annals of Intensive Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "might impair", consider the degree of certainty and choose stronger verbs like "will damage" or "definitely harms" if the negative impact is more assured.

Common error

Avoid using "might impair" when a situation clearly demonstrates a definite, rather than potential, negative outcome. Use stronger verbs to reflect the certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might impair" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a possibility or potential consequence. It indicates that something could weaken, damage, or hinder something else. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

39%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "might impair" is a versatile tool for expressing potential negative impacts. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically sound and frequently used. Predominantly found in scientific and news media contexts, "might impair" strikes a balance between caution and certainty. When writing, remember to consider the degree of confidence you have in the negative outcome; if more certain, stronger verbs like "will damage" might be more appropriate. Common errors include understating or overstating the impact, so choose your wording carefully to reflect the actual level of risk or harm. By understanding the nuances of "might impair", you can communicate more effectively and accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could diminish

Expresses a possibility of reducing something, often in quality or importance.

may weaken

Indicates a potential reduction in strength or effectiveness.

can undermine

Suggests a subtle or gradual weakening of something.

could compromise

Implies a potential risk to something's integrity or quality.

may hinder

Indicates a possibility of obstructing or delaying progress.

can impede

Suggests a more significant obstruction or hindrance.

might damage

Expresses a potential physical or functional harm.

could jeopardize

Implies a risk of serious harm or failure.

may degrade

Indicates a gradual decline in quality or condition.

can attenuate

Suggests a reduction in the intensity or effect of something.

FAQs

How can I use "might impair" in a sentence?

You can use "might impair" to express a possibility that something could weaken, damage, or harm something else. For example, "Excessive screen time "might impair" your vision."

What are some alternatives to "might impair"?

Some alternatives include "could diminish", "may weaken", or "can undermine", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "might impair" or "may impair"?

Both "might impair" and "may impair" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference.

What's the difference between "might impair" and "will impair"?

"Might impair" suggests a possibility or a degree of uncertainty, while "will impair" indicates a higher degree of certainty about the negative impact.