prevent passage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prevent passage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something is stopping or blocking the movement or flow of something else. Example: "The construction barriers were put in place to prevent passage through the main road."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Whether there is enough anger to prevent passage of the bill entirely is less certain, however.

The Guardian

He did not abandon his old issues entirely—he campaigned to prevent passage of the Stop Online Piracy Act, SOPA.

The New Yorker

In Indiana, Republicans in the legislature again bolted to prevent passage of Democratic bills, running out the legislative clock.

The New York Times

He did not abandon his old issues entirely — he campaigned to prevent passage of the Stop Online Piracy Act, SOPA.

The New Yorker

Having failed to prevent passage of the law, the accounting lobby is now maneuvering to keep serious reformers off the oversight board.

The New York Times

Unable to prevent passage of his anti-union bill and other measures, labour activists and progressives collected more than 900,000 signatures to recall him.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Just one vote is preventing passage.

The New York Times

payment increases while preventing passage of a strong patients' bill of rights".

The New York Times

In 2004, the Democrats struck back, preventing passage of a crucial state-bonds bill.

The Economist

The membrane allows passage of small solution components (usually the solvent) while preventing passage of larger molecules.

Britannica

They also lifted blockades imposed Tuesday that had cut the Gaza Strip into three zones, preventing passage among them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prevent passage", ensure that the context clearly identifies what is being prevented from passing and what is causing the prevention. This improves clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

A common mistake is using a singular verb with a plural subject when describing what is preventing passage. For example, instead of saying "The barrier prevent passage", use "The barrier prevents passage" or "The barriers prevent passage".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prevent passage" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the act of stopping or blocking something from moving or proceeding through a particular space or barrier. Ludwig provides examples in different fields.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "prevent passage" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that describes the act of stopping or blocking movement. Ludwig's analysis and the provided examples show its broad applicability across various contexts, from scientific literature to news reports. As Ludwig AI correctly stated, this expression is considered adequate for usage in English. When writing, pay attention to the clarity of what is being blocked and what is causing the blockage to ensure effective communication. Understanding its function can improve the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

block movement

Emphasizes the physical obstruction of movement.

halt movement

Directly indicates the ceasing of movement.

obstruct access

Highlights the blocking of entry or approach.

restrict entry

Focuses on limiting or controlling who or what can enter.

impede progress

Focuses on hindering the advancement or development of something.

inhibit transit

A more formal way to express the prevention of transit.

stop advancement

Highlights halting the forward movement or progress.

hinder flow

Specifically refers to stopping or slowing down the flow of something.

curtail passage

Implies a reduction or limitation of passage.

deter progression

Focuses on discouraging or preventing the progression of something.

FAQs

How can I use "prevent passage" in a sentence?

The phrase "prevent passage" is used to indicate that something is blocking or stopping movement or flow. For example, "The dam was built to "prevent passage" of floodwaters downstream."

What are some alternatives to "prevent passage"?

Alternatives include "block movement", "obstruct access", or "hinder flow". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "prevent passage" or "preventing passage"?

"Prevent passage" is generally used as an infinitive or in a general statement. "Preventing passage" is used as a gerund or participle, typically when describing an ongoing action. For example, "The fence is preventing passage."

What does "prevent passage" mean in a scientific context?

In science, "prevent passage" often refers to blocking the movement of substances across a barrier. For example, "The blood-brain barrier helps to "prevent passage" of harmful toxins into the brain."