a formidable barrier

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable barrier" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant obstacle or challenge that is difficult to overcome. Example: "The lack of funding created a formidable barrier to the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gatlin will present a formidable barrier to that ambition.

The Guardian - Sport

Nevertheless, the Sahara always constituted a formidable barrier to the movement of technology and peoples.

Britannica

A technical edge and customers' trust amounts to a formidable barrier to entry.

The Economist

Ms. Baldwin and Mr. Reuben looked stunned: such a formidable barrier, so easily breached.

The New York Times - Arts

Its great breadth has long made it a formidable barrier in the history of Spain.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Their play was intricate, and Hull's defensive and midfield blocks presented a formidable barrier.

The Guardian - Sport

Being uninsured is not an inconvenience; it is a formidable barrier to obtaining necessary medical care.

The New York Times

It was a formidable barrier, and accounts for some of Angier's leaps.

The New York Times - Books

The niqab imposed a formidable barrier for a marriageable young woman.

The New Yorker

Yet the membrane is also a formidable barrier, allowing some dissolved substances, or solutes, to pass while blocking others.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But quantum mechanics rules out, or at least poses a formidable barrier to, notions of endless divisibility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "a formidable barrier". Ensure that the scale of the obstacle aligns with the impact implied by the word "formidable".

Common error

Avoid using "a formidable barrier" for minor inconveniences. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic. Choose more appropriate descriptors for less significant obstacles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable barrier" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something that prevents or significantly hinders progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formidable barrier" is a noun phrase used to describe a significant obstacle, often requiring considerable effort to overcome. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Ludwig's analysis of usage patterns reveals it's most common in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure that the obstacle is indeed substantial and that the tone of your writing aligns with the level of formality implied by "formidable". Consider alternatives like "a significant obstacle" or "a major impediment" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a daunting obstacle

Similar to formidable, it expresses the discouragement or alarm that the obstacle brings.

a significant obstacle

Replaces "formidable" with "significant", lessening the emphasis on the difficulty, but maintaining the core meaning of an obstruction.

a serious obstacle

Like "a significant obstacle", but using "serious" to indicate a potentially greater impact.

a major impediment

Substitutes "barrier" with "impediment", which suggests something that hinders progress. "Major" replaces "formidable" for emphasis.

a substantial hindrance

Uses "hindrance" to mean something that delays or obstructs, and "substantial" to convey the degree of obstruction.

a tough challenge

Shifts the focus to the difficulty presented, framing the barrier as a challenge that requires effort to overcome.

a noteworthy impediment

Highlights the impediment by making it something that is difficult to ignore.

a difficult hurdle

Emphasizes the need to overcome a specific obstacle, similar to a barrier, but implies a step-by-step approach.

a major stumbling block

Focuses on the potential to cause a failure or delay, highlighting the obstructive nature.

a considerable restraint

Highlights the limiting effect of the barrier, emphasizing the restriction it imposes.

FAQs

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

Use "a formidable barrier" to describe a significant obstacle that requires considerable effort to overcome. For example, "The language difference was "a formidable barrier" to effective communication".

What are some alternatives to "a formidable barrier"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "a significant obstacle", "a major impediment", or "a tough challenge".

Is it correct to say "a formidable barrier for" or "a formidable barrier to"?

"A formidable barrier to" is the correct and more common usage. The preposition "to" indicates the direction or target of the barrier's obstructive effect.

What's the difference between "a formidable barrier" and "a minor inconvenience"?

"A formidable barrier" describes a substantial obstacle requiring significant effort to overcome, while "a minor inconvenience" refers to a slight annoyance or disruption that is easily managed. Choosing the right phrase depends on the actual scale and impact of the issue.