Preventing an action

The idea

After impedir que, use the subjunctive for the blocked action. The present stem changes in impide.

Examples

• La lluvia impide que juguemos fuera.The rain prevents us from playing outside.
• El ruido impide que duerma el bebé.The noise prevents the baby from sleeping.
• La barrera impide que pasen los coches.The barrier prevents cars from passing.
• El hielo impide que caminemos rápido.The ice prevents us from walking quickly.
• Una nube impide que vean la luna.A cloud prevents them from seeing the moon.
• La cerradura impide que entre el gato.The lock prevents the cat from entering.

Watch out

Do not use the indicative juegan after impide que in this sense.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct form: El humo ___ que abra la ventana. (impide / impiden)

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   impide

   impide: matches the singular subject.

2. Choose the correct form: La nieve impide que nosotros ___ al mercado. (vayamos / vamos)

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   vayamos

   vayamos: is the subjunctive for the group.

3. Choose the correct form: El ruido impide que ella ___. (estudie / estudia)

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   estudie

   estudie: names the blocked action in the subjunctive.

Use it today

Write what prevents someone from leaving.