Significant obstacles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Significant obstacles" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe major challenges or difficulties that hinder progress or achievement in various contexts. Example: "The project faced significant obstacles that delayed its completion and increased costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Significant obstacles stand in the way of reform.

The New York Times

Undoubtedly, significant obstacles to sustained growth remain.

The New York Times

Yet the Davies recommendations face significant obstacles.

Independent

But there will still be significant obstacles.

The New York Times

Hulu must still overcome some significant obstacles.

The New York Times

"There are still very significant obstacles to long-term growth.

The New York Times

But progress is slow, and significant obstacles remain.

The New York Times - Sports

But Villaraigosa faced significant obstacles that they did not.

The New Yorker

Gemstar faces significant obstacles to a full merger, however.

The New York Times

But there are still significant obstacles to overcome.

The New Yorker

Writers and publishers in Nigeria still face significant obstacles.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Significant obstacles", ensure you clearly define what these obstacles are and their potential impact on the situation. Provide specific examples or details to illustrate the significance of the challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "Significant obstacles" when the challenges are minor or easily overcome. Reserve this phrase for situations where the difficulties truly pose a substantial threat to success or progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Significant obstacles" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or following a preposition. It identifies and highlights major challenges or difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Significant obstacles" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to denote major challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is widespread across various domains, particularly in news, academia, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, clarity and specificity are key; detail the nature and impact of these obstacles. Alternatives such as "major impediments" or "substantial challenges" can be employed for variety. Recognizing the potential for overstatement is crucial to maintain credibility. The phrase serves to inform and caution, highlighting difficulties that require serious consideration and strategic action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Major impediments

Emphasizes the hindering nature of the obstacles, suggesting they block progress.

Substantial challenges

Focuses on the difficulty and demanding nature of the issues.

Formidable barriers

Highlights the strength and imposing nature of the obstacles.

Considerable difficulties

Emphasizes the degree of trouble and complexity involved.

Key challenges

Highlights obstacles that are critical and central to a situation or goal.

Serious setbacks

Focuses on the delaying or reversing effect of the difficulties.

Notable hurdles

Implies obstacles that require effort to overcome.

Significant barriers to entry

Highlights challenges to overcome when starting a business.

Tough problems

Highlights the complexity and difficulty of the issues involved.

Major roadblocks

Emphasizes the way these obstacles stop progression and make it difficult to move forward.

FAQs

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

You can use "Significant obstacles" to describe challenges in achieving a goal. For example: "The project faced "significant obstacles" due to budget constraints."

What are some alternatives to "Significant obstacles"?

Alternatives include "major impediments", "substantial challenges", or "formidable barriers". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "Significant obstacles" in formal writing?

Yes, "Significant obstacles" is suitable for formal writing. It is a neutral phrase that effectively conveys the presence of substantial challenges in a professional or academic setting.

What is the difference between "Significant obstacles" and "Minor inconveniences"?

"Significant obstacles" refer to major difficulties that can impede progress, while "Minor inconveniences" are small, easily manageable issues. The phrases represent vastly different scales of challenges.