a familiar obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a familiar obstacle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a challenge or difficulty that is well-known or often encountered in a particular context. Example: "As we approached the final stages of the project, we faced a familiar obstacle that had hindered our progress in previous endeavors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Sanders, meanwhile, appeared to have struggled to overcome a familiar obstacle: another state with "closed" primary rules that prevent independent supporters from turning out to vote for him.

The Guardian

Sanders, meanwhile, appeared to have struggled to overcome a familiar obstacle: another state with "closed" primary rules that prevent independent supporters for turning out to vote for him.

The Guardian

New year, new team, new city; but for England it was very much the same old same old as, on a breezy sunlit day at the Sydney Cricket Ground, they ran up against a familiar obstacle at Australia's mid-point.

The Guardian - Sport

The cost of regularly transporting students is a familiar obstacle.

Huffington Post

"But he had hopes and we all did in winning our Poly Tournament". Shortly after, the Panthers ran into a familiar obstacle in Chadwick on Sept. 13, losing 25-14, 25-15, 25-15 thethe Dolphins for the fourth consecutive time.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

For residents of a place once known as "Chocolate City," these attitudes are a sadly familiar obstacle to equality.

The New York Times

Weak routine information systems, inadequate registration processes and reliance on periodic household surveys as the main source of population-based data are all familiar obstacles to improving public health in poor countries [ 34].

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

In 2020, Democrats will have to confront another familiar obstacle: the Electoral College, which also gives smaller states extra power.

Huffington Post

It doesn't have a happy ending or the unqualified hero meeting familiar obstacles".

The New York Times

Two familiar obstacles are standing in the way of a more forceful response to Assad's atrocities: "With friends like Russia and China nodding in the wings, Syria can have all the enemies in the world," argues the Toronto Sun.

The New York Times

He faces familiar obstacles.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a familiar obstacle" when you want to emphasize that a problem is not new or unexpected. It implies that the challenge has been encountered before and is likely to be faced again.

Common error

While "a familiar obstacle" is a valid expression, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "recurring problem" or "common challenge" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a familiar obstacle" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and appropriate in English. It identifies a recurring or well-known challenge.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a familiar obstacle" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, denoting a recurring or well-known challenge. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, its usage frequency is relatively rare. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase effectively communicates that a particular difficulty is not new or unexpected. To enhance writing, consider using synonyms like "recurring problem" or "common challenge" to avoid repetition. The phrase is applicable across various registers, making it a versatile choice for diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a recurring problem

Focuses on the repetitive nature of the issue.

a common challenge

Highlights the widespread nature of the difficulty.

a well-known hurdle

Emphasizes the recognized nature of the impediment.

a frequent impediment

Stresses the regularity with which the obstruction occurs.

a typical difficulty

Indicates the usual or expected nature of the problem.

an oft-repeated issue

Focuses on the repetitive nature of the problem, often discussed.

a persistent setback

Highlights the continuous hindrance caused by the problem.

a chronic snag

Emphasizes the long-lasting and troublesome nature of the issue.

a routine complication

Highlights the habitual and complex nature of the issue.

an age-old problem

Stresses the problem has existed for a very long time.

FAQs

How to use "a familiar obstacle" in a sentence?

You can use "a familiar obstacle" to describe a challenge or difficulty that is well-known or often encountered in a particular context. For example: "Lack of funding remained "a familiar obstacle" to the project's success".

What can I say instead of "a familiar obstacle"?

You can use alternatives like "a recurring problem", "a common challenge", or "a well-known hurdle depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the familiar obstacle" instead of "a familiar obstacle"?

Using "the familiar obstacle" implies that there is a specific, previously identified obstacle being referred to. "A familiar obstacle" is more general, referring to any known or recurring challenge of that type.

What's the difference between "a familiar obstacle" and "a major obstacle"?

"A familiar obstacle" emphasizes the repetitive or well-known nature of the challenge, while "a major obstacle" highlights the significance or impact of the challenge, regardless of whether it's been encountered before.