the only impediment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the only impediment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a single obstacle or barrier that is preventing progress or action in a given context. Example: "The only impediment to our success is the lack of funding for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Nor was designer's block the only impediment.

The New York Times

Mr. Thorson's homosexuality wasn't the only impediment.

The New York Times

The only impediment they had was the oysterman.

The New York Times

(Eye fatigue seemed the only impediment to his reading extended passages on his own).

The New York Times - Magazine

Lack of money is the main, but not the only, impediment.

The New York Times

Still, Mr. Beck's suit is not the only impediment to so many radiant smiles this year.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

At BearHug Camp, Twitter executives made clear that the only impediments to returning track over IM and XMPP were business-releated, not technical.

TechCrunch

Olivares told VICE that their extended family abandoned them, except for her grandmother on Henry's side of the family, whose only impediment for taking care of them was location.

Vice

The only serious impediment to his aspirations was his father, who viewed golf as a waste of time.

The New York Times - Books

The parliament, where the pro-Putin United Russia party commands a two-thirds majority, was perhaps the only possible impediment to the bill becoming law.

The Guardian

The only remaining impediment was a recommended ten-cent-an-hour raise on, followed by another raise on.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the only impediment", ensure the context clearly establishes what the impediment is preventing or hindering. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the only impediment" when there are clearly multiple contributing factors. Accurately represent the situation to maintain credibility. Instead, consider phrases like "a major impediment" or "one of the main impediments".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the only impediment" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific, singular obstacle hindering progress or achievement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

22%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the only impediment" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that identifies a singular obstacle preventing progress. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread application. It is suitable for various registers, particularly neutral and formal contexts, and serves to highlight the critical challenge needing resolution. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the context unequivocally defines the impediment. While interchangeable with synonyms like "the sole obstacle" or "the single hindrance", avoid overstating its singularity if multiple contributing factors exist. Remember to be specific and provide context to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the sole obstacle

Emphasizes the singularity and obstructiveness of the barrier.

the single hindrance

Highlights that the barrier is the only thing causing delay or difficulty.

the exclusive deterrent

Focuses on the barrier as the only factor preventing a particular action.

the main stumbling block

Implies that overcoming this obstacle is crucial for progress.

the solitary obstruction

Stresses the isolation and blocking nature of the impediment.

the one drawback

Identifies the single negative aspect affecting a decision or outcome.

the remaining hurdle

Suggests that all other challenges have been addressed, leaving only one to overcome.

the ultimate barrier

Emphasizes the significance and finality of the obstacle.

the crucial bottleneck

Highlights that the obstacle is causing a significant slowdown or blockage.

the chief constraint

Focuses on the limiting aspect of the single factor

FAQs

How can I use "the only impediment" in a sentence?

Use "the only impediment" to identify a single obstacle preventing progress. For example: "The only impediment to completing the project is securing the necessary funding."

What are some alternatives to using "the only impediment"?

Consider using phrases like "the sole obstacle", "the single hindrance", or "the main stumbling block" to vary your language.

Is it correct to say "the only impediment" even if there are minor contributing factors?

While technically correct if one factor is overwhelmingly dominant, it's more accurate to acknowledge minor factors using phrases like "the primary impediment" or "the most significant impediment".

What is the difference between "the only impediment" and "a major impediment"?

"The only impediment" suggests a singular, isolated obstacle. "A major impediment" implies that there are other obstacles, but this one is particularly significant.