What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
prevent
Example
Washing your hands frequently can help prevent the spread of germs. [prevent: verb]
Example
The new security measures are designed to prevent unauthorized access to the building. [prevent: verb]
hinder
Example
The bad weather hindered our progress on the road trip. [hindered: past tense]
Example
The lack of funding is hindering the development of the project. [hinder: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prevent is more commonly used than hinder in everyday language. Prevent is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while hinder is less common and often used in formal or academic writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between prevent and hinder?
Hinder is typically associated with a formal or academic tone, while prevent can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
