Overcoming obstacles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Overcoming obstacles" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts discussing challenges, personal growth, or achievements. For example: "She demonstrated her strength by overcoming obstacles in her career." Alternative expressions include "surmounting challenges," "conquering difficulties," and "navigating hurdles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Overcoming obstacles and motivating good people to do their best work".

The Guardian

Overcoming obstacles together creates a sense of pride and of belonging to a team.

Harvard Business Review

Overcoming obstacles to evolution education: Science standards evolve.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Overcoming obstacles to evolution education: In the beginning.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Overcoming obstacles to evolution education: Don't call it "Darwinism".

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Overcoming obstacles to evolution education: The OOPSIE compromise a big mistake.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Overcoming obstacles on the job is no easy task.

Huffington Post

Overcoming obstacles and thinking positively have been Norris' co-pilots his whole life.

Los Angeles Times

Overcoming obstacles.

Los Angeles Times

It's about friendship, it's about overcoming obstacles, it's about America".

The Guardian - Film

"My whole life has been overcoming obstacles," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about personal or professional achievements, use "Overcoming obstacles" to highlight resilience and determination in the face of adversity. This phrase effectively conveys a sense of accomplishment and strength.

Common error

Avoid using "Overcoming obstacles" to describe everyday minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations where significant challenges were genuinely present and required considerable effort to overcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Overcoming obstacles" primarily functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the act of conquering difficulties. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts, from personal stories to scientific discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

29%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Overcoming obstacles" is a versatile gerund phrase frequently used to emphasize resilience and triumph over adversity. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its prevalence across various domains, including news, academia, and science, establishing its wide applicability. Its neutral to professional register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. Alternatives like "surmounting challenges" or "conquering difficulties" offer subtle nuances, while understanding common errors, such as misapplication in trivial contexts, ensures precise and impactful usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Overcoming hurdles

Is very similar, but the word "hurdles" implies smaller, more frequent obstacles.

Surmounting challenges

Uses a more formal and elevated vocabulary, emphasizing the act of rising above difficult situations.

Conquering difficulties

Highlights the act of defeating or subduing challenges, suggesting a more active and forceful approach.

Prevailing against odds

Stresses the improbability of success and the strength required to achieve it.

Triumphing over adversity

Focuses more on the successful result after facing hardship, adding an emotional tone.

Battling adversity

Implies a more intense and prolonged struggle against difficult conditions.

Rising above limitations

Highlights the act of exceeding personal or external constraints, implying significant personal growth.

Navigating hurdles

Emphasizes the process of skillfully maneuvering through obstacles, often implying complexity.

Addressing challenges

Stresses the act of facing and dealing with difficult situations in a proactive manner.

Dealing with setbacks

Focuses on managing and handling negative occurrences or delays, rather than directly overcoming them.

FAQs

How can I use "Overcoming obstacles" in a sentence?

You can use "Overcoming obstacles" to describe situations where someone faces and conquers challenges, such as: "Overcoming obstacles requires perseverance" or "She succeeded by overcoming obstacles".

What are some alternatives to "Overcoming obstacles"?

Alternatives include "surmounting challenges", "triumphing over adversity", or "conquering difficulties", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "Overcoming obstacles" or "Overcome obstacles"?

"Overcoming obstacles" (gerund phrase) functions as a noun, often describing a process or quality. "Overcome obstacles" (verb phrase) is an imperative, meaning to take an action. The correct phrase depends on the intended meaning and grammatical structure of the sentence.

What does "Overcoming obstacles" imply?

The phrase implies resilience, perseverance, and a successful navigation through difficult situations. It often highlights the positive qualities of the individual or group involved, emphasizing their strength and determination.