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]
impede
Example
The heavy traffic impeded our progress and made us late for the meeting. [impeded: past tense]
Example
The construction work is impeding the flow of traffic on this road. [impeding: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prevent is more commonly used in everyday language, while impede is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between prevent and impede?
Impede is more formal than prevent and is typically used in more professional or academic contexts.
