reached an impasse

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "reached an impasse" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when two sides in a negotiation have come to a deadlock without either side being able to progress any further. For example, "The two sides of the negotiations have reached an impasse, and cannot agree on a solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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

But the two sides seem to have reached an impasse.

The New York Times

In the Chung case, however, investigators reached an impasse.

The New Yorker

"China's options have reached an impasse," said Mr. Jin.

The New York Times

Some union officials said that negotiations had reached an impasse.

The New York Times

But Hostess reached an impasse with the bakery union.

The New York Times

As the 80s became the 90s, Kureishi reached an impasse.

The Guardian - Books

Two years ago it seemed to have reached an impasse.

The Guardian - Arts

As a result, plans have reached an impasse.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reached an impasse" when you want to clearly indicate that a negotiation, discussion, or process has stopped progressing due to conflicting viewpoints or unresolved issues. It's a strong and direct way to communicate a lack of forward movement.

Common error

Avoid using "reached an impasse" when the situation is simply a temporary delay or a minor setback. An impasse implies a more significant and potentially irresolvable blockage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reached an impasse" functions as a declarative statement indicating that a situation, typically a negotiation or discussion, has come to a standstill. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

32%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reached an impasse" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a situation where progress has halted, particularly in negotiations or discussions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media and Academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. When using the phrase, be sure to distinguish it from temporary delays, as an impasse implies a more significant and potentially irresolvable blockage. Alternative phrases include "came to a deadlock" and "reached a stalemate". By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "reached an impasse" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

came to a deadlock

Highlights the inability to move forward due to opposing forces or viewpoints.

reached a stalemate

Suggests a situation where neither side can gain an advantage, leading to a prolonged period of inactivity.

arrived at a standstill

Focuses on the cessation of movement or progress, emphasizing the static nature of the situation.

hit a brick wall

Emphasizes the sudden and forceful obstruction of progress, implying a significant barrier.

found no common ground

Emphasizes the lack of agreement or shared understanding between parties, preventing forward movement.

the talks broke down

Indicates a failure in communication or negotiation, resulting in a termination of discussions.

the process stalled

Focuses on the cessation of activity or progress in a particular endeavor or project.

the negotiations collapsed

Emphasizes a more dramatic failure of talks, implying a complete breakdown in relations.

encountered an obstruction

Highlights the presence of an impediment that hinders progress, whether physical or figurative.

met an insurmountable obstacle

Suggests that the barrier to progress is too great to overcome, leading to a complete halt.

FAQs

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

You can use "reached an impasse" to describe situations where negotiations or discussions have stalled. For example: "The labor negotiations "reached an impasse" after both sides refused to compromise."

What are some alternatives to saying "reached an impasse"?

Alternatives include "came to a deadlock", "arrived at a standstill", or "reached a stalemate", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "reached an impasse" in formal writing?

Yes, "reached an impasse" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to describe a standstill in negotiations or discussions. The phrase is commonly used in news reports, academic papers and business communications as the Ludwig examples show.

What's the difference between "reached an impasse" and "encountered a setback"?

"Reached an impasse" suggests a complete halt to progress due to fundamental disagreements, while "encountered a setback" implies a temporary delay or obstacle that can potentially be overcome. The first is more severe and difficult than the second.