What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
impeded
Example
The heavy rain impeded our progress on the hike. [impeded: verb]
Example
The construction work impeded traffic flow on the highway. [impeded: past participle]
blocked
Example
The fallen tree blocked the road, so we had to take a detour. [blocked: verb]
Example
The entrance to the building was blocked by protesters. [blocked: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Blocked is more commonly used than impeded in everyday language. Blocked is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while impeded is less common and is typically used in more formal writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between impeded and blocked?
Impeded is more formal than blocked and is often used in academic or technical writing. Blocked is more informal and is commonly used in everyday language.
