impair + object
What is affected
Impair most commonly takes a direct object without a preposition.
impair judgment
How to use "impair" with prepositions
Impair usually takes a direct object. Different prepositions after it often express cause, place, or extent rather than fixed verb patterns.
Quick answer
Common uses of impair
Use impair with a direct object: impair vision, impair performance. Cause is often expressed with by or because of. In can describe the area affected, and throughout describes extent across a whole place or period.
impaired by stress
impaired in one eye
impaired because of fatigue
impaired in one eye
impaired because of fatigue
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
impaired by + cause
Showing the cause of impairment
By introduces the thing causing reduced ability or quality.
impaired by smoke
impaired in + area
Describing a limited ability
In can specify the area or sense affected.
impaired in mobility
impaired throughout + place
Describing broad extent
Throughout is an adjunct showing extent across an area or period, not a fixed verb pattern.
impaired throughout the winter
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
impair by
His hearing was impaired by loud machinery.
Standard for expressing cause.
impair for
The injury impaired him for several months.
For usually expresses duration, not a fixed complement.
impair in
She is impaired in one leg.
Used for the area or ability affected.
impair because of
Vision may be impaired because of diabetes.
Natural way to express cause.
impair throughout
Road access was impaired throughout the region.
Throughout adds extent across an area.
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using for as the main complement
Impair does not normally take for to introduce the cause.
✕ The device was impaired for dust. ✓ The device was impaired by dust.Confusing in with cause
In usually names the affected area, not the reason.
✕ Her speech was impaired in stress. ✓ Her speech was impaired by stress.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. The signal was impaired ___ heavy rain.
2. He is impaired ___ his left hand.
3. Transport was impaired ___ the region.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I say "impaired by"?
Yes. It is a standard way to express the cause of impairment.
Is "impair for" common?
Not as a fixed pattern. For usually adds duration, as in impaired for weeks.
Does "throughout" belong to the verb?
No. Throughout usually functions as an adjunct describing extent or distribution.
Related preposition guides
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