a major hurdle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major hurdle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant obstacle or challenge that must be overcome in a particular situation. Example: "The team faced a major hurdle when they discovered a critical flaw in the project design that needed immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But there was a major hurdle.

The New York Times

Transparency also remains a major hurdle.

The Guardian

Battery life also presents a major hurdle.

The Guardian

It turned out to be a major hurdle.

The New York Times

Low adoption rates among older people remain a major hurdle.

The New York Times - Tech

But, he said, Mr. Norquist's pledge is a major hurdle.

The New York Times

A major hurdle, he said, is getting shareholders to agree.

The New York Times

I don't think that is a major hurdle.

The New York Times

A major hurdle, says Mountford, is scaling up.

The Guardian - Tech

In this regard, the extra dimensions of string theory have proved a major hurdle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A major hurdle throughout the diplomacy was disentangling the nuclear dispute from other flashpoints.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Using "a major hurdle" is effective in emphasizing the need for strategic planning and resource allocation to overcome the specific obstacle.

Common error

Avoid using "a major hurdle" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations where the obstacle genuinely poses a significant threat to progress or success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major hurdle" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a significant obstacle or challenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It serves to highlight the importance and difficulty of overcoming a specific issue.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major hurdle" is a versatile phrase used to denote a significant obstacle or challenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically sound and sees frequent application across diverse domains like News & Media, Science, and Business, underlining its broad utility. While appropriate for formal contexts, its neutral tone makes it equally suitable for more informal communication. When using "a major hurdle", ensure that the gravity of the obstacle is accurately represented. Remember to consider synonyms like ""a significant obstacle"" or "a formidable barrier" to refine the tone and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant obstacle

Emphasizes the importance of the obstacle.

a substantial impediment

Highlights the hindering effect of the obstacle.

a considerable challenge

Focuses on the demanding nature of the situation.

a formidable barrier

Stresses the strength and difficulty of overcoming the obstacle.

a key difficulty

Underlines that the difficulty is particularly important.

a critical stumbling block

Indicates a problem that could cause failure.

a primary obstacle

Highlights the importance of the obstacle.

a tough challenge

Indicates a difficult but potentially surmountable challenge.

a serious setback

Focuses on the negative impact the obstacle has.

a big problem

A simpler way to describe a major difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "a major hurdle" in a sentence?

You can use "a major hurdle" to describe a significant obstacle or challenge that needs to be overcome. For example, "The lack of funding is "a major hurdle" to the project's success."

What are some alternatives to "a major hurdle"?

Alternatives include "a significant obstacle", "a substantial impediment", or "a considerable challenge", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a major hurdle" in formal writing?

Yes, "a major hurdle" is suitable for formal writing, as it clearly and professionally conveys the presence of a significant obstacle. However, consider alternatives like "a significant obstacle" for a slightly more formal tone.

What's the difference between "a major hurdle" and "a minor inconvenience"?

"A major hurdle" describes a significant obstacle that can seriously impede progress, while "a minor inconvenience" refers to a small, easily manageable issue. Using the correct term ensures you accurately convey the impact of the challenge.