this could hinder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this could hinder" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential obstacles or difficulties that may arise in a situation or process. Example: "If we do not address the budget constraints, this could hinder our project's progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

This could hinder their election prospects, given the need for cross-country travel.

The Guardian

He says this could hinder research, because if we only study one culture's concept of happiness, we won't be able to gather research about psychology of happiness for humans as a whole.

Independent

He said that this could hinder social mobility in the US.

BBC

Given that migrants are the primary market for international money transfers, this could hinder the growth of startups in the space.

TechCrunch

One suggestion within the consultation raises the prospect of targeting Welsh-speaking staff, but the BMA said this could hinder recruitment.

BBC

Therefore, it was decided not to include government officials in the first meeting, as this could hinder the essential process of building mutual trust (Bergh et al. 2011) in the learning network.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Participants thought this approach could hinder equity and suggested using "randomized call" instead of asking for volunteers.

International Journal of STEM Education

In Senate testimony last month, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said "military intervention at this point could hinder humanitarian relief operations.

Huffington Post

From a practical point of view this phenomenon could hinder the adoption of preventive behaviour and thereby undermine the effectiveness of health educational efforts.

BMC Oral Health

RGC inhibits the formation of neovessels, suggesting that this product could hinder the formation of new blood vessels in irritated skin and could improve vascular disorders linked to cutaneous redness or blotches such those seen in rosacea.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology

It was also hypothesised that this attitude could hinder PCPs' awareness of local resources and support services, or even referrals to specialists, in an attempt to protect the patient or family from intrusive or frightening tests [ 37].

BMC Family Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the strength of the word 'hinder'. If a stronger term like 'prevent' or 'obstruct' more accurately reflects the situation, opt for the more impactful verb.

Common error

While "this could hinder" is grammatically sound, overuse in formal writing can make your prose sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "impede", "obstruct", or "hamper" to maintain reader engagement and stylistic variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this could hinder" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express a possibility or potential consequence. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it correctly suggests that something has the potential to impede or obstruct a particular outcome, without stating it as a certainty. It presents a conditional relationship.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this could hinder" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a potential obstacle or negative impact. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to scientific articles. While versatile, consider varying your language with synonyms like "impede", "obstruct", or "hamper" to enhance the clarity and impact of your writing. By understanding its proper usage and potential alternatives, you can effectively convey caution and address potential challenges in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this might impede

Implies a slowing down or obstruction of progress, similar to hindering, but with a slightly softer tone.

this may obstruct

Suggests a more direct blocking or obstruction, potentially creating a more forceful image than hindering.

this could hamper

Indicates a restriction or impediment, similar to hindering, often implying a negative impact on efficiency or performance.

this may thwart

Suggests the prevention of success or achievement, implying a more decisive impact than hindering.

this might derail

Emphasizes the potential for causing a plan or process to go off track, offering a more vivid and directional image.

this could set back

Suggests a delay or reversal in progress, focusing on the temporal aspect of the negative impact.

this may undermine

Indicates a weakening or erosion of effectiveness or stability, shifting the focus to a gradual negative influence.

this might jeopardize

Highlights the risk of endangering something valuable, adding a sense of potential loss or harm.

this could compromise

Implies a weakening or impairment of quality or effectiveness, often suggesting a necessary concession or trade-off.

this may complicate

Focuses on the addition of complexity or difficulty, suggesting that the situation will become more intricate and challenging.

FAQs

How can I use "this could hinder" in a sentence?

You can use "this could hinder" to express a potential obstacle or negative impact. For example, "Lack of funding "this could hinder" our research efforts."

What are some alternatives to "this could hinder"?

Alternatives include "this might impede", "this may obstruct", or "this could hamper", depending on the context and desired nuance.

Is it better to say "this could hinder" or "this will hinder"?

"This could hinder" implies a possibility, while "this will hinder" expresses certainty. Use "this could hinder" when discussing potential outcomes, and "this will hinder" when the negative impact is assured.

What's the difference between "this could hinder" and "this might hinder"?

The difference is subtle. "Could" suggests a slightly higher probability than "might". Both indicate possibility, but "could" often implies that the speaker sees a clearer potential for the event to occur.