to impede

USAGE SUMMARY

"to impede" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used as a verb that means to block, hinder, or delay progress. For example: "The regulations put in place to protect the environment have impeded development in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Otherwise, it's going to impede medical research".

The New York Times - Arts

But it doesn't seem to impede him.

The Guardian - Sport

Each gene was known to impede programmed cell death.

The New Yorker

American sanctions continue to impede investment in Iran.

The Economist

And what will be done to impede their growth?

The Economist

Local officials have declined to impede the project.

The New York Times

Stephen has also attempted to impede the publication of dozens of scholarly works on James Joyce.

The New Yorker

First, "no intentional contact (or pushing)." Second, "no attempts to impede the progress of others".

The New York Times

They're lucky not to concede a penalty as Youngs looked to impede Folau's kick chase.

The Guardian - Sport

The prospect of continuing deficits is sure to impede both parties as they pursue their agendas.

The New York Times

"Efforts to impede or block the sale of books have a long and ugly history.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to impede", ensure the subject causing the impediment is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify what actions or factors are impeding progress.

Common error

Avoid using "to impede" when a complete stop is implied; instead, use words like "to block" or "to halt". "To impede" suggests a slowdown or obstruction, not a full cessation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to impede" functions as an infinitive verb phrase, often used to describe the action of hindering or obstructing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its usage in various contexts, such as impeding medical research or economic recovery.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to impede" serves as a grammatically sound and versatile tool for describing the act of hindering or obstructing something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread acceptance. Appearing frequently in diverse contexts—from news and media to scientific and formal business settings—"to impede" is best suited for neutral to formal registers where precision is valued. When deploying this phrase, clarity is key: specify the cause and scope of the impedance to enhance understanding. Consider alternatives like "to hinder" or "to obstruct" to fine-tune your message, and avoid using "to impede" if a complete stoppage is intended. This targeted usage ensures that your writing remains both accurate and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to hinder

A direct synonym, implying making it difficult for someone to do something or for something to happen.

to obstruct

Implies physically blocking or creating an obstacle.

to thwart

Suggests actively preventing someone's plans from succeeding.

to hamper

Similar to hinder, but often suggests a more significant negative impact.

to inhibit

Implies restraining or holding back.

to slow down

A more general term for reducing the speed of progress.

to delay

Focuses on postponing or putting off.

to stonewall

Refers to obstructing progress, especially in a political context, by being evasive or uncooperative.

to stall

To use delaying tactics.

to encumber

Suggests burdening or weighing down, making progress more difficult.

FAQs

How can I use "to impede" in a sentence?

Use "to impede" to describe something that is slowing down or obstructing progress. For example, "Bureaucratic processes often "to impede" innovation".

What are some alternatives to "to impede"?

Alternatives include "to hinder", "to obstruct", or "to hamper", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "to impede" and "to prevent"?

"To impede" means to slow down or obstruct, while "to prevent" means to stop something from happening altogether. Thus, "to impede" suggests a partial effect, whereas "to prevent" implies a complete stoppage.

When is it appropriate to use "to impede" in formal writing?

"To impede" is appropriate in formal writing when you want to describe something that is hindering or slowing down progress without completely stopping it. For example, "Lack of funding can "to impede" scientific research".