Pose an obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Pose an obstacle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing challenges or difficulties that hinder progress or achievement. Example: "The new regulations may pose an obstacle to our expansion plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Election officials have another concern: Will damage from Sandy actually pose an obstacle to voting?

The Guardian

Even if a product is familiar, delivery through a new business model might pose an obstacle.

Harvard Business Review

The tense history between Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton could still pose an obstacle to a close partnership.

The New York Times

Semipermeable membranes of cells frequently pose an obstacle in metabolic engineering by limiting uptake of substrates, intermediates, or xenobiotics.

Metabolic Engineering

Nonetheless, as European member states makes regulatory changes geared at projects of common European interest, investment protection and ISDS in their current form pose an obstacle to progress.

Columbia University

Debra Bingham, president-elect of Lamaze International, an advocacy group for natural birth, said the "immediately available" wording might still pose an obstacle.

The New York Times - Health

She is the most able opposition leader in the country: Her release could pose an obstacle to Yanukovich winning the 2015 presidential election.

The New York Times

John P. Feehery, a spokesman for Speaker J. Dennis Hastert, said the Senate language might be "tweaked" a bit, but should not pose an obstacle.

The New York Times

However, operational, service and scheduling restrictions pose an obstacle to that, while "credit, or the risk of not getting paid for the gas, is an important consideration".

The New York Times

And whatever happens in Iraq, the war could pose an obstacle to Mr. McCain in New Hampshire, where independents are permitted to vote in either party's primary.

The New York Times

But the fiscal crisis in Nassau County, which operates Nassau Beach Park adjacent to the Town of Hempstead Park, could pose an obstacle.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pose an obstacle", ensure that the subject clearly identifies what is creating the difficulty or hindrance. This adds clarity and precision to your writing.

Common error

While "pose an obstacle" is a valid phrase, avoid overuse by actively seeking synonyms to maintain variety and interest in your writing. Over-reliance on this phrase can make your writing sound monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pose an obstacle" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that something presents or constitutes a challenge or hindrance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

34%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pose an obstacle" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe something that creates a difficulty or hindrance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in English. It finds application across various contexts, notably in news, scientific research, and academic discussions. While versatile, it's advisable to diversify your writing by employing related phrases like "create a hurdle" or "present a challenge" to avoid redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create a hurdle

Focuses on the act of creating a barrier, emphasizing the active role in hindering progress.

present a challenge

Highlights the difficulty or test that something introduces, rather than strictly a barrier.

form an impediment

Uses a more formal term for a hindrance, suitable for academic or professional contexts.

constitute a barrier

Emphasizes the role of something as a blocking element or barricade.

represent a setback

Shifts the focus to the consequence of the hindrance, which is a delay or regression.

hinder progress

Directly states the action of slowing down or preventing advancement.

impede advancement

Similar to hinder progress but uses a more formal vocabulary.

obstruct the path

Uses a metaphorical image of blocking a route or course of action.

complicate matters

Focuses on the complexity introduced by something, rather than strictly a barrier.

hamper efforts

Emphasizes the restraining or impeding effect on someone's endeavors.

FAQs

How can I use "pose an obstacle" in a sentence?

Use "pose an obstacle" to indicate that something presents a challenge or hindrance. For example, "The new regulations "pose an obstacle" to our expansion plans."

What are some alternatives to "pose an obstacle"?

You can use alternatives like "create a hurdle", "present a challenge", or "form an impediment" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "pose an obstacle" or "present an obstacle"?

"Pose an obstacle" and "present an obstacle" are both grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. However, "pose an obstacle" is slightly more common and may sound more natural in certain contexts.

What does it mean when something "poses an obstacle"?

When something "poses an obstacle", it means that it creates a difficulty, challenge, or hindrance that makes it harder to achieve a goal or make progress.