physical impediment

USAGE SUMMARY

"physical impediment" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a physical hindrance or barrier that prevents someone from doing something. You can use it when describing a situation where someone is physically unable to do something due to a limitation or obstacle. For example: "The athlete's knee injury proved to be a physical impediment to her running career."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Lignin functions as a physical impediment, either physically blocking pathogen entry or increasing leaf toughness to make chewing by herbivores more difficult.

BMC Plant Biology

The hotel, which has a huge semicircular driveway, "actually serves as a physical impediment" to people trying to walk through Century City, Mr. Rosenfeld said.

The New York Times

When I first went to school, my hearing loss hadn't been detected, but my physical impediment was evident as I had crutches.

The Guardian

In conclusion, these studies highlight that for proliferation in 3D, compared to 2D, cells require strategies to overcome the physical impediment posed by the matrix.

Biomaterials

Here is a measure of what an actor Niamh Cusack is, how viscerally, totally she can remake a part: nine years ago in a stripped-down adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's Ghosts at the Gate, she played the part of the mother of a syphilitic boy as if her secrets were a physical impediment, dragging her down as she moved.

The Guardian

"Now I have a physical impediment but before I didn't and I want someone else to take over".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

When an international mining company surveys the Australian land for minerals it sees few physical impediments.

The Guardian

There are witnesses with physical impediments or psychologically not susceptible to suggestions.

Resuscitation

His company, profitable for the last two years, offers therapy to children with speech and physical impediments, he said.

The New York Times

Even where physical impediments to greater security don't exist, the need to control costs and please consumers serves the same function -- or did until Sept. 11.

The New York Times

Casey Halpern, a neurosurgeon at the University of Pennsylvania and one of several researchers beta-testing the device, says the physical impediments of current optogenetics techniques are tremendous.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, ensure that "physical impediment" is used to represent something that concretely blocks or hinders progress, rather than a metaphorical or abstract obstacle.

Common error

Avoid using "physical impediment" to describe purely mental or emotional blocks. Reserve it for situations where the obstacle has a tangible, physical presence or effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "physical impediment" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes something tangible that hinders or obstructs movement, progress, or function. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in both literal and more nuanced contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

41%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "physical impediment" is a noun phrase denoting a tangible barrier that hinders progress or movement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase finds frequent application across both scientific and news-related domains, indicating its versatility in describing obstacles ranging from biological processes to infrastructural challenges. While generally neutral in tone, it carries a degree of formality making it apt for professional and academic settings. When using "physical impediment", ensure the context involves a concrete obstruction rather than a purely abstract one.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

physical barrier

Emphasizes the obstructive nature and tangibility of the impediment.

physical obstacle

Highlights the challenging aspect of overcoming the impediment.

physical hindrance

Focuses on the slowing or delaying effect of the impediment.

physical restraint

Implies a limitation on freedom of movement or action.

physical constraint

Highlights the restrictive nature and limitation imposed by the impediment.

tangible obstruction

Focuses on the concrete and perceptible quality of the impediment.

bodily restriction

Specifically pertains to limitations affecting the body's ability to function.

mobility limitation

Directly refers to restricted movement or ability to move.

functional limitation

Broader term that includes any restriction in performing tasks or activities.

physical limitation

General term indicating a restriction in physical capability.

FAQs

How to use "physical impediment" in a sentence?

Use "physical impediment" to describe something tangible that obstructs movement or progress. For example, "The fallen tree was a significant physical impediment to traffic."

What can I say instead of "physical impediment"?

You can use alternatives like "physical barrier", "physical obstacle", or "physical hindrance" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "physical impediment" or "mental impediment"?

"Physical impediment" refers to tangible obstructions, while "mental impediment" describes cognitive or emotional barriers. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the nature of the obstacle.

What's the difference between "physical impediment" and "physical limitation"?

"Physical impediment" suggests an external obstruction. "Physical limitation" refers to an inherent restriction in someone's physical capabilities. They describe different types of barriers.