a bottleneck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bottleneck" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a point of congestion or blockage that slows down progress in a process or system. Example: "The project was delayed due to a bottleneck in the approval process, which caused frustration among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

and we had a bottleneck".

The New York Times - Tech

But there was a bottleneck.

The New York Times - Science

Which resource acts as a bottleneck?

University of California, Berkeley

Clinical translation remains a bottleneck.

Mayo Clinic Proceedings

Pipeline infrastructure could present a bottleneck, too.

The Washington Post

The technology can form a bottleneck.

University of California, Berkeley

We are inside a bottleneck of overpopulation and wasteful consumption.

The New York Times - Books

Battery technology is still a bottleneck for development, though.

The Guardian

Create a bottleneck at the top of an exit.

The New York Times

"It turned into a bottleneck," Mr. Blum said.

The New York Times

Identify a bottleneck that is both specific and strategic.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When identifying "a bottleneck", be specific about its location and impact on the overall process or system. This clarity helps in devising targeted solutions.

Common error

Avoid treating "a bottleneck" as an isolated issue. Investigate the underlying systemic factors that contribute to its formation to implement more effective and sustainable improvements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bottleneck" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or an object within a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that it's commonly used to identify a point of congestion or obstruction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

22%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a bottleneck" is a common and versatile noun phrase used to describe a point of congestion or obstruction within a process or system. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and applicable across various domains, including news, academia, and science. Identifying "a bottleneck" is crucial for improving efficiency, and being specific about its location and impact is essential for devising targeted solutions. While the phrase is widely accepted, it's important to consider the systemic causes behind it to prevent recurrence. Alternatives such as "a constraint", "an impediment", and "a choke point" can be used depending on the context. In summary, mastering the use of "a bottleneck" enhances communication by accurately pinpointing areas needing attention and improvement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a choke point

Emphasizes a specific location or stage where congestion or blockage occurs, mirroring a bottleneck.

a blockage

Highlights a complete obstruction preventing flow or progress, akin to a severe bottleneck.

an obstruction

Directly refers to something that blocks or impedes movement or progress, analogous to a bottleneck.

a constraint

Indicates a limitation or restriction, similar to a bottleneck's hindering effect.

a roadblock

Suggests an obstacle that halts progress, similar to the obstructive nature of a bottleneck.

an impediment

Refers to something that hinders or obstructs progress, akin to a bottleneck.

a hindrance

Highlights something that delays or prevents progress, much like a bottleneck.

a hurdle

Represents a challenge or obstacle to overcome, similar to a bottleneck's difficulty.

a snag

Indicates an unexpected problem or difficulty that causes delay, comparable to a bottleneck.

a crimp

Implies something that restricts or inhibits, like the limiting effect of a bottleneck.

FAQs

How can I use "a bottleneck" in a sentence?

You can use "a bottleneck" to describe a point of congestion or blockage in a process. For example, "The lack of skilled workers created "a bottleneck" in the production line".

What are some alternatives to saying "a bottleneck"?

Alternatives include "a constraint", "an impediment", or "a choke point", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean when something is described as "a bottleneck"?

Describing something as "a bottleneck" means it is a point in a process that causes delays or restrictions due to limited capacity or resources.

How can identifying "a bottleneck" improve efficiency?

Identifying "a bottleneck" allows you to focus resources and efforts on resolving the specific point of obstruction, leading to improved overall efficiency and throughput.