a barrier to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a barrier to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to refer to something that hinders progress or prevents something from happening or being achieved. For example: "Low self-esteem can be a barrier to success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A barrier, to say the least.

The New York Times

This was a barrier to market entry.

The Economist

Is it a barrier to the business?

The New York Times - Books

"Is water a barrier to clients?

The New York Times - Books

It's a barrier to overcome.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's a barrier to voting.

The Guardian

Is it a barrier to adoption?

Princeton University

Is that a barrier to your business?

The Guardian

It wasn't a barrier to friendship.

The Guardian - Opinion

This creates a barrier to knowledge".

The Guardian - Opinion

Age isn't a barrier to digital engagement.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a barrier to", ensure that the noun following 'to' clearly identifies the thing being hindered or prevented. For example, "a barrier to entry" is clearer than "a barrier to progress" if you are specifically discussing market entry.

Common error

Avoid using "a barrier to" with overly abstract or vague nouns. Instead of saying "a barrier to improvement", be more specific by stating "a barrier to efficient resource allocation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a barrier to" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or noun phrase. It identifies something that obstructs, hinders, or prevents progress or access. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and widely used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

21%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a barrier to" is a prepositional phrase that indicates an obstruction or hindrance. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, academia, and business. While alternatives such as "an obstacle to" or "an impediment to" exist, "a barrier to" maintains a neutral formality suitable for most professional communication. When using this phrase, ensure the following noun is specific and clearly identifies what is being hindered. Avoiding overly abstract language will improve clarity. The phrase is highly prevalent in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, solidifying its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an obstacle to

Replaces "barrier" with a direct synonym, maintaining a neutral tone.

an impediment to

A more formal alternative to "barrier", suitable for academic or legal contexts.

a hindrance to

Similar to "impediment" but slightly less formal.

an obstruction to

Highlights the act of blocking or hindering progress.

a stumbling block to

Emphasizes the difficulty or potential for error that the barrier presents.

a deterrent to

Focuses on the discouraging effect of the barrier.

a hurdle to

Suggests something that must be overcome, often requiring effort.

a constraint on

Highlights the limiting nature of the barrier.

a limitation on

Similar to "constraint", but emphasizes the imposed restriction.

a restriction on

Focuses on the limiting of freedom or action.

FAQs

How can I use "a barrier to" in a sentence?

The phrase "a barrier to" is used to indicate something that prevents or hinders progress. For example: "Lack of funding is "a barrier to" further research".

What are some alternatives to "a barrier to"?

You can use alternatives like "an obstacle to", "an impediment to", or "a hindrance to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a barrier for" instead of "a barrier to"?

No, the correct preposition to use is "to". Saying "a barrier for" is grammatically incorrect. Use ""a barrier to"".

What is the difference between "a barrier to" and "a challenge for"?

"A barrier to" implies something that prevents or severely hinders progress, while "a challenge for" suggests something that requires effort and skill to overcome but is not necessarily insurmountable.