a key obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key obstacle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing significant challenges or barriers that hinder progress or success in a particular context. Example: "The lack of funding has become a key obstacle in the development of the new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This removed a key obstacle to further, more ambitious attacks.

The Guardian

So far, Russia has been a key obstacle to ending the suffering in Syria.

The Guardian - Opinion

In 2012, Jeffrey Sachs said a lack of funding was a key obstacle to progress.

The Guardian

The absence of a functioning public administration to enforce rules was also a key obstacle.

The New York Times

The company's ability to get loans has been a key obstacle that has delayed its exit from bankruptcy.

The New York Times

In universities, that problem is a key obstacle to progress in data science, according to academic research scientists.

The New York Times

The educational divide between urban and rural communities is not improving, and is a key obstacle to reducing poverty and hunger amongst the affected communities.

The Guardian

But the thorny issue of fishing quotas was seen as a key obstacle to joining the bloc, although it was never brought up in the accession talks.

The Guardian

A court on Monday dismissed the last two remaining charges against former President Manuel Zelaya, removing a key obstacle to his return to the country.

The New York Times

But a key obstacle remains, given US and Russian disagreement over whether to put the resolution under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter.

Independent

Until now, a key obstacle to any attempted I.C.C. prosecution of Taliban leaders has been that they have been beyond the reach of the court.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "a major impediment" or "a significant barrier" to add variety to your writing and avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "a key obstacle" when the challenge is relatively minor or easily overcome. Overstating the significance of the obstacle can undermine your credibility and dilute the impact of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key obstacle" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies and emphasizes a critical impediment to progress or success. Ludwig demonstrates its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a key obstacle" is a frequently used expression to denote a significant impediment or challenge. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and suitable for formal and informal contexts. The analysis of usage patterns indicates its common appearance in News & Media and Science. While alternatives like "a major impediment" or "a significant barrier" exist, understanding the specific context is crucial for appropriate usage. Using "a key obstacle" effectively involves clearly identifying the obstacle and its impact on a given situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major impediment

Replaces "obstacle" with "impediment", suggesting a hindrance or obstruction.

a significant barrier

Substitutes "obstacle" with "barrier", emphasizing a physical or metaphorical obstruction.

a primary challenge

Replaces "obstacle" with "challenge", highlighting the difficulty involved.

a crucial hurdle

Uses "hurdle" instead of "obstacle", implying something that must be overcome.

a significant impediment

Synonymous with 'a major impediment' but gives more stress on the magnitude of the problem.

a central bottleneck

Replaces "obstacle" with "bottleneck", suggesting a point of congestion or blockage.

a critical stumbling block

Uses "stumbling block" instead of "obstacle", indicating something that causes a mistake or failure.

a considerable constraint

Replaces "obstacle" with "constraint", emphasizing a limitation or restriction.

a noteworthy setback

Substitutes "obstacle" with "setback", highlighting a delay or reversal in progress.

a major complication

Replaces "obstacle" with "complication", indicating something that makes a situation more complex or difficult.

FAQs

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

You can use "a key obstacle" to describe a significant barrier hindering progress. For example, "Lack of funding is "a key obstacle" to the project's completion".

What are some alternatives to "a key obstacle"?

Alternatives include "a major impediment", "a significant barrier", or "a crucial hurdle", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "a key obstacle"?

While "key" and "obstacle" can sometimes overlap in meaning, "a key obstacle" emphasizes that the obstacle is of primary importance or significance, making it acceptable in many contexts.

What's the difference between "a key obstacle" and "a minor obstacle"?

"A key obstacle" signifies a substantial impediment that significantly hinders progress, while "a minor obstacle" indicates a less significant challenge that is easier to overcome.