a communication barrier

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a communication barrier" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe obstacles that prevent effective communication between individuals or groups. Example: "Cultural differences can often create a communication barrier that hinders collaboration in international teams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

One of these participants shared that although her English was good enough to communicate with her obstetrician, she still felt a communication barrier existed between her and her obstetrician.

BMC Health Services Research

There was a communication barrier.

Independent

"You see," Zoe said to me, "there's just too much of a communication barrier".

The New York Times - Magazine

Although Ewing does not speak Chinese and sometimes runs into a communication barrier with Yao, he is helping Yao establish deeper position in the post and learn a variety of new shots.

The New York Times - Sports

After just a few days, it became clear to me that this individual intentionally created a communication barrier that not only made him less approachable, but gradually less likeable.

Forbes

A "communication barrier" is highlighted in the police statement.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Ms. Zhang was screened by agents before reaching the club's reception area, but confusion over her name and a potential communication barrier led to her entering.

The New York Times

People should never suffer because of a simple communication barrier.

HuffPost

This poses a big communication barrier if the healthcare professional and the patient are from different ethnic and linguistic backgrounds.

BMC Family Practice

It was felt necessary to study the effect of gender while dealing with culturally sensitive issues like breast feeding and antenatal care, a potential communication barrier in our country.

BMC Medical Education

Some elderly Aboriginals, for example, believe that truth-telling about diagnosis may be dangerous to one's health, which contrasts with mainstream Canadian values, and further creates a challenging communication barrier at the end of life.

Bioethics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive topics, acknowledge potential "communication barriers" upfront to foster a more understanding and patient dialogue.

Common error

Don't assume your message is clear to everyone. Actively seek feedback to identify and address any "communication barriers" preventing effective exchange.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a communication barrier" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies an impediment that hinders effective communication. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

56%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a communication barrier" effectively describes any obstacle that hinders the exchange of information. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable. While relatively uncommon, the phrase appears across various domains, including news, science, and business. Addressing these barriers involves actively seeking clarity and understanding, and acknowledging potential differences in perspective. Recognizing and overcoming "communication barriers" is crucial for effective collaboration and mutual understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inability to communicate effectively

States directly the lack of successful exchange of information.

gap in communication

Implies a space or distance separating effective communication.

disconnect in communication

Highlights the lack of connection between communicators.

difficulty in conveying meaning

Focuses on challenges of expressing information in an understandable way.

language divide

Focuses specifically on language as the impediment to communication.

impediment to understanding

Stresses the obstacle hindering comprehension.

cultural misunderstanding

Highlights cultural differences as the source of communication difficulties.

breakdown in dialogue

Indicates a complete disruption of conversational exchange.

lack of understanding

Emphasizes the absence of comprehension between parties.

failure to connect

Focuses on the unsuccessful attempt to establish a meaningful exchange.

FAQs

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

You can use "a communication barrier" to describe any obstacle that prevents effective communication. For example: "Language differences created "a communication barrier" between the teams."

What can I say instead of "a communication barrier"?

You can use alternatives like "language divide", "gap in communication", or "cultural misunderstanding" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "a communication barrier" or "communication barriers"?

Both are correct, depending on whether you are referring to a single obstacle (a barrier) or multiple obstacles (barriers). "There was "a communication barrier" due to the language difference" versus "Several "communication barriers" hindered progress on the project."

What's the difference between "a communication barrier" and "a communication breakdown"?

"A communication barrier" refers to an obstacle preventing effective communication from occurring, while "a communication breakdown" indicates a complete failure in communication, where messages are not understood or exchanged effectively.