a key stumbling block

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key stumbling block" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a significant obstacle or challenge that hinders progress in a situation or project. Example: "The lack of funding has become a key stumbling block in the development of the new software."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

But he said he would not support halting Iran's uranium enrichment, which is a key stumbling block for talks between Iran and world powers.

The Guardian

Pro-British Unionists' complaints that the I.R.A. was reneging on its promise to dispose of its arsenal have been a key stumbling block in Northern Ireland's peace effort.

The New York Times

Funding is a key stumbling block, with countries yet to agree on how they will achieve the "goal" of $100bn a year in funding by 2020 for developing countries.

Independent

Vince Cable, the former Lib Dem business secretary, said May's refusal to agree to any such liberalisation in the past was a key stumbling block to trade talks between the EU and India.

The Guardian

However, the audit findings highlighted the primacy of tenure issue as a key stumbling block.

BBC

In March 2012 the Taliban said it had suspended preliminary negotiations with Washington, citing US efforts to involve the Afghan government as a key stumbling block.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

But the human formula that ensures successful buddy pairings is still a mystery, and that's the key stumbling block in the debate.

The Washington Post

The key stumbling block to a united Italy remained the Kingdom of Naples — or the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies as it was also known — which held sway over the southern half of the peninsular.

Independent

He repeated that Assad had to go "in a political transition" and stressed the key stumbling block with Putin: "I cannot but reiterate that we should support the groups that can reverse the situation on the ground and recover territory".

The Guardian - Opinion

They learned about the transplant-rejection response, which would become the key stumbling block to successful heart transplants.

Stanford University

The key stumbling block for Japan was the demand by the European Union and Latin American countries that its Antarctic whaling program end within a set time frame.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a key stumbling block" when you want to emphasize that a particular issue is significantly hindering progress. Ensure the context clearly identifies what is being blocked.

Common error

While "a key stumbling block" is widely accepted, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "problem" or "issue" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key stumbling block" functions as a noun phrase identifying a significant impediment or obstacle. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key stumbling block" is a correct and usable phrase that denotes a significant obstacle hindering progress. Ludwig AI confirms this. It is commonly used in news and media and science contexts, though slightly less frequent in casual conversation where simpler terms might be preferred. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and serves to emphasize a critical issue. Alternatives include "a major impediment" or "a significant obstacle". Be mindful of the context to ensure the tone aligns appropriately with your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major impediment

Implies a significant hindrance, similar in impact but uses different wording.

a significant obstacle

Highlights the obstruction aspect, maintaining a neutral tone.

a primary challenge

Focuses on the difficulty aspect, framing it as a task to overcome.

a crucial hurdle

Emphasizes the need to overcome this specific difficulty.

a central difficulty

Highlights the problem as being at the core of the situation.

a critical issue

Focuses on the importance of the problem.

the main snag

More informal, suggesting a smaller, unexpected problem.

the chief bottleneck

Indicates something is slowing progress down.

a sticking point

Describes a point of disagreement or difficulty that halts progress.

an obstruction

A more general term for something that blocks progress.

FAQs

How can I use "a key stumbling block" in a sentence?

You can use "a key stumbling block" to describe a significant obstacle that prevents progress. For instance, "Lack of funding is "a key stumbling block" for the project."

What can I say instead of "a key stumbling block"?

You can use alternatives like "a major impediment", "a significant obstacle", or "a primary challenge" depending on the context.

Is "a key stumbling block" too formal for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "a key stumbling block" can sound formal in casual settings. Simpler terms like "problem" or "issue" may be more appropriate.

What makes "a key stumbling block" different from other obstacles?

"A key stumbling block" implies that the obstacle is particularly important and is significantly hindering forward movement, more so than a minor inconvenience.