to hinder something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to hinder something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or factors that obstruct or impede progress, development, or effectiveness of something. Example: "The heavy rain can hinder the construction work, causing delays in the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Let me tell you this," he bitterly confides, "when social workers offer you, free, gratis and for nothing, something to hinder you from swooning, which with them is an obsession, it is useless to recoil".

The New York Times

"Did it have a pro-competitive justification, or did it engage in behavior that cost it something in the short run in order to hinder its rivals in the long run?

The New York Times

He should have tried Nf6 to hinder g4-g5.

The Guardian - Sport

How can you ask us to hinder it?

The New York Times

Like many former runners, injuries started to hinder my performance.

The New York Times

So why should it be recognised just to hinder him?

The Guardian - Opinion

But it takes more than ruts to hinder Kostelic.

The New York Times - Sports

The caution is likely to hinder job growth.

The New York Times - Tech

The layoff did nothing to hinder his effectiveness.

The New York Times - Sports

We never wanted the rule to hinder us.

The New York Times - Arts

And that has the potential to hinder adoption.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to hinder something", ensure that the object being hindered is clearly defined and that the context makes it clear what is being obstructed. For instance, "Bureaucratic delays can hinder progress on the project."

Common error

While "hinder" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound repetitive. Use synonyms like "impede", "obstruct", or "inhibit" to vary your language and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to hinder something" functions as an infinitive phrase that expresses purpose or consequence. It specifies the intended effect of an action, indicating that the action aims to create an obstacle or impediment. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

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Science

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Wiki

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to hinder something" is a grammatically correct infinitive phrase used to express the purpose of obstructing or impeding an action or process. While Ludwig AI indicates it's usable, its frequency is low. Related phrases such as "to obstruct something" or "to impede something" can be used as alternatives to prevent overuse and maintain clarity. When using this phrase, make sure the object being hindered is clearly defined to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to obstruct something

Replaces "hinder" with a more direct synonym, focusing on physical or deliberate blockage.

to impede something

Similar to "obstruct", but suggests a slowing down rather than a complete stop.

to hamper something

Implies making an action more difficult, often due to external factors.

to thwart something

Suggests actively preventing the success of something.

to inhibit something

Implies restraining or suppressing something, often an action or process.

to curtail something

Focuses on reducing or restricting the extent of something.

to cripple something

Suggests severe damage or weakening, making success unlikely.

to undermine something

Implies weakening something gradually and subtly.

to sabotage something

Suggests deliberate action to ruin or prevent the success of something.

to derail something

Emphasizes causing something to go off course or fail completely.

FAQs

How can I use "to hinder something" in a sentence?

Use "to hinder something" to describe actions or factors that obstruct or impede progress, development, or effectiveness. For example: "The heavy rain can hinder the construction work, causing delays in the project timeline."

What are some alternatives to "to hinder something"?

You can use alternatives such as "to obstruct something", "to impede something", or "to hamper something" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "to hinder something" and "to obstruct something"?

"To hinder something" generally means to delay or make more difficult, while "to obstruct something" implies a more direct blockage or impediment.

Is it appropriate to use "to hinder something" in formal writing?

Yes, "to hinder something" is appropriate, but consider using more formal synonyms like "impede" or "inhibit" for variety and precision. Overuse of "hinder" might reduce the impact of your writing.