What is impede? Pronunciation and usage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "impede." It's a powerful word that often gets misused. Here's a detailed explanation:

1. Definition:

"Impede" means to slow down or prevent (something) from progressing or achieving its full potential. It suggests a hindrance or obstruction.

2. Parts of Speech:

• Verb: This is the most common usage. It describes an action.

3. Common Usage Patterns:

• With Progress/Movement: This is the most frequent way to use "impede."

  • Example: "The heavy rain impeded our progress on the road." (The rain slowed us down.)
  • Example: "The new regulations are likely to impede the growth of the company." (They will slow down the growth.)

• With Achievement/Success:

  • Example: "Lack of funding could impede her efforts to launch the project." (It could prevent her from succeeding.)
  • Example: "His nervousness impeded his ability to give a confident presentation." (It slowed down his ability to succeed.)

• With Processes/Systems:

  • Example: "Poor communication can impede the smooth functioning of the department." (It can slow down the operation.)

4. Key Phrases & Structures:

• "Impede [something] from [doing something]" – This is a very common and clear construction.
  • Example: “The thick fog impeded ships from reaching the harbor.”
• "Impede the progress of..."
  • Example: "The bureaucracy impeded the progress of the building project.”
• "Impede [someone] in [doing something]" – This focuses on an individual being hindered.
  • Example: “His lack of experience impeded him in his attempts to become a lawyer.”

5. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

• Hinder
• Obstruct
• Delay
• Block
• Prevent
• Slow down

6. Important Note: Don't use it with “success” alone.

A common mistake is to use "impede" to mean "prevent success." While it can be related to preventing success, it’s usually about how something slows down the process leading to success.

• Incorrect: "The bad weather impeded his success at the race." (This isn’t quite right. It's more about hindering his progress towards the race).
• Correct: “The bad weather impeded his progress in the race." (It slowed him down as he was running.)

7. Examples in Sentences:

• "The dense fog impeded air traffic at the airport."
• "Poor funding will impede the research team’s ability to conduct their study."
• “His clumsiness impeded his efforts to dance gracefully.”
• “The outdated software impeded the company’s ability to innovate.”

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To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

• What are you trying to use "impede" in a sentence about? (e.g., a specific situation, a concept, etc.)