reach an impasse

USAGE SUMMARY

"reach an impasse" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which two parties are unable to agree on something. For example: After hours of negotiations, the two sides had reached an impasse and could not come to an agreement.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

If you reach an impasse, you will be left with your BATNA.

Harvard University

Should the discussions reach an impasse, the European panel may ask the commission to intervene.

The New York Times - Tech

That's where things currently reach an impasse," says Matter's director, Hilary Sutcliffe.

The Guardian

The true test of any system is when conflicting stakeholder interests reach an impasse.

Harvard Business Review

Interestingly, these fully rational negotiators might reach an impasse despite having a $50,000 zone of possible agreement.

Harvard University

Sometimes in negotiation, parties fail to reach an agreement and go their separate ways that is, they reach an impasse.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

The negotiators have reached an impasse.

Yale University

From there the meeting swiftly reached an impasse.

The New Yorker

Negotiations reached an impasse and eventually fell through.

Independent

Some union officials said that negotiations had reached an impasse.

The New York Times

But the two sides seem to have reached an impasse.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "reach an impasse", consider specifying the reason for the deadlock to provide context and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "reach an impasse" when parties are simply uninterested or unwilling to negotiate. An impasse implies a genuine effort to resolve differences that has failed, not a lack of engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reach an impasse" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a state of deadlock or standstill in negotiations, discussions, or progress on a particular issue. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

26%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reach an impasse" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a situation where progress is blocked due to irreconcilable differences. As Ludwig confirms, it is frequently found in news, academic, and business contexts. When using this phrase, be sure to provide context by specifying the reason for the deadlock. Related phrases include "come to a standstill" and "arrive at a deadlock". Avoid using the phrase when parties are simply uninterested or unwilling to negotiate, as an impasse implies a genuine but failed effort to resolve differences. Using this advice can help you to master the use of "reach an impasse".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come to a standstill

Focuses on the cessation of movement or progress, similar to an impasse.

arrive at a deadlock

Emphasizes the state of being locked or unable to proceed.

end in a stalemate

Highlights the balance of power preventing resolution.

encounter a roadblock

Suggests an obstacle that halts progress.

hit a brick wall

A more forceful way of saying progress has stopped completely.

be at loggerheads

Implies strong disagreement leading to a standstill.

grind to a halt

Describes a gradual cessation of progress.

resolve into inaction

Suggests a lack of action as the end result.

become stuck

Emphasizes the inability to move forward.

meet an obstruction

Focuses on encountering something that blocks progress.

FAQs

How can I use "reach an impasse" in a sentence?

You can use "reach an impasse" to describe a situation where negotiations or discussions have stalled due to irreconcilable differences. For example, "The contract negotiations "reached an impasse" after weeks of debate".

What are some alternatives to "reach an impasse"?

Alternatives include phrases like "come to a standstill", "arrive at a deadlock", or "end in a stalemate", each emphasizing a different aspect of the stalled situation.

Is it better to say "reach an impasse" or "reached an impasse"?

The correct form depends on the tense of your sentence. Use "reach an impasse" when describing a potential future outcome (e.g., "They might reach an impasse"). Use "reached an impasse" when describing a past event (e.g., "They "reached an impasse" yesterday").

What does it mean to "reach an impasse" in negotiations?

To "reach an impasse" in negotiations means that the parties involved have been unable to find common ground and agree on terms, leading to a standstill. Further progress is unlikely without intervention or a significant change in position.