What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
impede
Example
The heavy traffic impeded our journey to the airport. [impeded: past tense]
Example
The construction work will impede the flow of traffic on this road. [impede: verb]
obstruct
Example
The tree branch obstructed the path, so we had to find another way. [obstructed: past tense]
Example
The government's policies are obstructing progress towards a more sustainable future. [obstructing: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Obstruct is more commonly used than impede in everyday language. Obstruct is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while impede is less common and typically used in formal writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between impede and obstruct?
Impede is typically associated with a more formal tone, while obstruct is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
