a larger obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a larger obstacle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing challenges or difficulties that are more significant in size, scope, or impact compared to others. Example: "While we faced several challenges during the project, a larger obstacle was the lack of funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A larger obstacle, however, to the implementation of extracurricular and technology programs is the usual lack of funds.

The New York Times

And there's a larger obstacle looming, which threatens her whole way of life: the Dominican government's new efforts to "regularize" migration between the two countries.

The New Yorker

A larger obstacle is the crucible of competition: the pressure can be intense, and the mind and body have to be reconditioned.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"It is true, immigration rules are a large obstacle".

The Guardian

For the Metropolitan District Commission, money has been a large obstacle in fixing the overflows.

The New York Times

For the Free Syria Army, however, a large obstacle stands in front of their ultimate goal – the fall of the Assad regime.

The Guardian

They wouldn't have been able to scatter quickly enough, and Kevin clearly lacked the skill to maneuver his way around a large obstacle.

The New York Times

But a large obstacle stands between both candidates and the prestigious post – the US government has indicated that it wants to replace its former deputy secretary of defence with another American.

The Guardian - Business

Those devices convey more detailed information about the movement and speed of the leg, enabling microprocessors to determine whether a person is, say, taking a small step up a stair versus hopping over a large obstacle.

The New York Times

But state officials trying to limit New York's association with the school, the Judge Rotenberg Educational Center in Canton, southwest of Boston, and its "aversive therapy" practices have found a large obstacle in their paths: parents of students who are given shocks.

The New York Times

The two sides face a large obstacle, however, because Taiwan's legislature must first make gambling legal.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a larger obstacle" to emphasize the relative significance of a particular challenge compared to other difficulties being faced. This signals to the reader that the obstacle is a primary concern.

Common error

Avoid using "a larger obstacle" when the challenge is only marginally bigger than others. Ensure it truly represents a substantial difference in difficulty or impact to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a larger obstacle" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies and characterizes a challenge or difficulty, highlighting its relative magnitude compared to other obstacles. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a larger obstacle" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon phrase used to emphasize the greater significance of a particular challenge. As Ludwig AI validates, its function is to prioritize a problem and direct attention to its relative importance. It is suitable for neutral to formal registers, particularly in news, scientific, and business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the obstacle truly represents a substantial difference in difficulty or impact to maintain credibility and prevent overstatement. Consider alternatives like ""a greater impediment"" or ""a more significant hurdle"" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a greater impediment

Focuses more on the hindering aspect.

a more significant hurdle

Emphasizes the need to overcome the challenge.

a major stumbling block

Highlights the potential for failure or delay.

a substantial barrier

Suggests a more imposing or difficult-to-remove obstacle.

a considerable challenge

Focuses on the difficulty involved.

a formidable difficulty

Highlights the strength or power of the obstacle.

a primary concern

Shifts focus to importance and worry.

a critical issue

Highlights urgency and importance.

a key problem

Highlights that this is not only an obstacle, but a problem that needs solving.

a tough challenge

Highlights a difficult endeavor that needs to be faced.

FAQs

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

You can use "a larger obstacle" to introduce a more significant problem than what has already been discussed. For example: "We faced funding issues, but "a larger obstacle" was securing necessary permits".

What are some alternatives to "a larger obstacle"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a greater impediment", "a more significant hurdle", or "a substantial barrier".

Is it redundant to say "a very large obstacle"?

While not strictly incorrect, "a very large obstacle" can sometimes be redundant. Consider if ""a larger obstacle"" already adequately conveys the magnitude of the challenge, or if a stronger adjective like "insurmountable" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a large obstacle" and "a larger obstacle"?

"A large obstacle" refers to a significant challenge in itself. "A larger obstacle" implies a comparison, indicating that this particular challenge is more significant than others in the given situation.