a major impediment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a major impediment' is correct and usable in written English.
It usually refers to a situation or obstacle that is blocking progress or making a situation difficult or impossible. Example: The cost of tuition is a major impediment for many students seeking to further their education.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is, no doubt, a major impediment.

The New York Times

Ultz's design is a major impediment.

The Guardian

Those costs have become a major impediment to recovery.

The New York Times

A major impediment to minimizing testing is patient expectation.

The New Yorker

A major impediment to wider use is their low ductility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In Maendeleo, a village elder, Benson Gacu, confirmed that price was a major impediment.

The New York Times - Health

"This will be a major impediment to Long Island," Dr. Kamer said.

The New York Times

The lack of information is a major impediment to stewardship of the resource.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is a major impediment in the road to youth health.

The New York Times - Sports

Having a defense lawyer, for example, can be a major impediment.

The New York Times

Only briefly mentioned is a major impediment: the mandatory chastity vow and ban on marriage.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major impediment", be specific about what is being hindered and why. Provide context to clarify the impact of the impediment.

Common error

Avoid using "a major impediment" when the obstacle is relatively minor or easily overcome. Ensure the impediment truly has a significant impact on the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major impediment" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies something as a significant obstacle or hindrance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major impediment" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that signifies a significant obstacle. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usefulness. It is prevalent across various domains, including science, news, and formal business settings. When employing this phrase, ensure the context justifies the "major" qualifier, and be specific about the nature and impact of the impediment. Consider alternatives such as ""a significant obstacle"" or ""a substantial barrier"" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant obstacle

Focuses on the obstruction aspect, maintaining a similar level of formality.

a substantial barrier

Highlights the obstructive nature, using a synonym for "impediment".

a considerable obstruction

Highlights the hindering effect, using a more formal tone.

a considerable drawback

Emphasizes the negative aspect and consequence of the impediment.

a critical challenge

Shifts the focus to the difficulty presented, framing it as something to overcome.

a serious stumbling block

Uses a more figurative expression to convey the idea of being hindered.

a key bottleneck

Highlights a specific point of congestion that restricts progress.

a primary constraint

Emphasizes the limiting aspect of the impediment.

a grave disadvantage

Focuses on the unfavorable condition created by the impediment.

a tough hurdle

Suggests an obstacle that requires effort to overcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "a major impediment" to describe something that significantly hinders progress or makes something difficult. For example, "The lack of funding is "a major impediment" to the project's success."

What are some alternatives to "a major impediment"?

Alternatives include "a significant obstacle", "a substantial barrier", or "a critical challenge", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the major impediment is" or "a major impediment is"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a major impediment is" is generally used when introducing one of several impediments. "The major impediment is" suggests there's one primary obstacle.

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

"A major impediment" refers to a significant obstacle that seriously hinders progress. In contrast, "a minor impediment" is a less significant obstacle that may cause some delay or difficulty but doesn't fundamentally block progress.