a formidable obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They also came across a formidable obstacle in the shape of Howard, who was returning from a calf injury that had kept him out since Boxing Day.

BBC

It proved to be a formidable obstacle.

The New York Times - Sports

However, the Rhinos present a formidable obstacle.

The Guardian - Sport

Air power — especially Russia's — has proved a formidable obstacle.

The Washington Post

His old club present a formidable obstacle to achieving it.

The Guardian - Sport

The sea ice has proved a formidable obstacle so far.

The Guardian

Anti-forensic tools, techniques and methods are becoming a formidable obstacle for the digital forensic community.

Digital Investigation

Together these provide a formidable obstacle to political change.Japanese society is consensual.

The Economist

Regulators worry that this prevailing dominance in markets across the country is a formidable obstacle.

The New York Times - Health

Domestic politics have proved to be a formidable obstacle to a resolution.

The New York Times

The landscape is still a formidable obstacle, but good progress has been made.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formidable obstacle" when you want to emphasize the significant difficulty and challenge posed by something. It's suitable for formal and serious contexts.

Common error

While "a formidable obstacle" is a strong phrase, avoid using it in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a big problem" or "a tough challenge" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable obstacle" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something that presents a major difficulty or challenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formidable obstacle" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes a significant challenge or impediment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers real-world examples demonstrating its use in various contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for formal and neutral writing styles. When aiming for simplicity or informality, consider alternatives like "a major hurdle" or "a substantial challenge". By keeping these points in mind, you can confidently use "a formidable obstacle" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant impediment

Emphasizes the hindering aspect of the obstacle.

a major hurdle

Highlights the need to overcome the obstacle.

a substantial challenge

Focuses on the demanding nature of the situation.

a tough barrier

Stresses the difficulty in getting past the obstacle.

a considerable difficulty

Emphasizes the degree of trouble the obstacle causes.

a daunting prospect

Highlights the intimidating nature of the obstacle.

a severe setback

Focuses on the potential for the obstacle to cause regression.

a critical roadblock

Highlights the stopping effect of the obstacle.

a great impediment

Emphasizes the magnitude of the hindrance.

a noteworthy obstruction

Focuses on the quality of preventing something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a formidable obstacle" to describe anything that presents a significant challenge or barrier to progress. For example, "The language barrier was "a formidable obstacle" to communication".

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

You can use alternatives like "a significant impediment", "a major hurdle", or "a substantial challenge" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a formidable obstacle"?

Yes, the phrase "a formidable obstacle" is grammatically correct and widely used in formal writing. It clearly conveys the idea of a significant challenge.

What is the difference between "a formidable obstacle" and "a minor inconvenience"?

"A formidable obstacle" implies a significant challenge that requires considerable effort to overcome, while "a minor inconvenience" refers to something that causes slight trouble but is easily resolved.