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preposition after verb

How to use "impinge"

Both impinge on and impinge upon are correct. Upon is usually more formal.

Quick answer

Correct prepositions

Use impinge on or impinge upon to describe a negative effect or intrusion on something.

impinge on privacy
impinge upon their rights

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
impinge on + thing

Affecting something negatively

On is the most common modern choice.

impinge on academic freedom
2
impinge upon + thing

Using a more formal style

Upon has a more formal tone but similar meaning.

impinge upon personal space
3
impinge on + time/resources

Reducing available amounts

The verb can describe demands on time or resources.

impinge on our budget

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
impinge on
The new rule may impinge on free speech.
Standard and common.
impinge upon
The decision impinges upon local authority.
More formal variant.
impinge into
The phrase is generally nonstandard.
Use on or upon instead.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using the wrong preposition

Impinge normally takes on or upon.

✕ The policy impinges into privacy. ✓ The policy impinges on privacy.

Dropping the preposition

Impinge usually needs on or upon before the affected thing.

✕ The delays impinged our schedule. ✓ The delays impinged on our schedule.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The law may impinge ___ civil liberties.
2. Which option is more formal?
3. The extra meetings impinge ___ my free time.

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Frequently asked questions

Are "impinge on" and "impinge upon" both correct?

Yes. Both are standard, though upon sounds more formal.

Can impinge be used without a preposition?

Usually no. The verb normally takes on or upon.

Does impinge always have a negative meaning?

It often suggests unwanted effects, limits, or intrusion.

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