a major stumbling block

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We're optimistic that it won't be a major stumbling block".

The New York Times - Health

A major stumbling block is how to compensate doctors.

The New York Times

"We see this as a major stumbling block to effective public school intervention," she said.

The New York Times - Health

"This is a major stumbling block in China, for example," he added.

The New York Times

As regulators and investors scrutinize the company's sales, they face a major stumbling block.

The New York Times

A major stumbling block for Mr. Cherubin has been borrowing money.

The New York Times

A major stumbling block facing negotiators at Paris will be finance.

The Guardian

Still, financing could prove to be a major stumbling block for the soccer stadium.

The New York Times

These deadlines, combined with White House indecision, have been a major stumbling block.

The New York Times

The two sides agree that wages are not a major stumbling block in the talks.

The New York Times

Still, a major stumbling block to the growth of palliative care has been finances.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major stumbling block", ensure the context clearly defines what project, goal, or process is being hindered. Specificity enhances the impact of your statement.

Common error

While effective, overuse of "a major stumbling block" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "significant obstacle" or "key impediment" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major stumbling block" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a significant obstacle or impediment. It frequently serves as a subject complement or an object in a sentence, highlighting a critical issue that hinders progress. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major stumbling block" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a significant obstacle hindering progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for neutral to formal contexts, appearing frequently in news, scientific, and business domains. To enhance your writing, be specific about what is being hindered and consider using synonyms like "significant obstacle" or "key impediment" to avoid repetition. Remember, while effective, overuse can diminish its impact. The phrase is widely recognized and understood, making it a reliable choice for clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant obstacle

Replaces "stumbling block" with "obstacle" and "major" with "significant", emphasizing the substantial nature of the impediment.

a key impediment

Substitutes "stumbling block" with "impediment" and "major" with "key", highlighting the critical hindering aspect.

a primary hindrance

Replaces "stumbling block" with "hindrance" and "major" with "primary", focusing on the main delaying or preventing factor.

a substantial barrier

Changes "stumbling block" to "barrier" and "major" to "substantial", stressing the significant obstructive nature.

a considerable challenge

Replaces "stumbling block" with "challenge" and "major" with "considerable", presenting the obstacle as a difficulty to overcome.

a notable difficulty

Substitutes "stumbling block" with "difficulty" and "major" with "notable", underlining the prominent problematic aspect.

a critical bottleneck

Replaces "stumbling block" with "bottleneck" and "major" with "critical", focusing on a point of congestion or blockage.

a tough hurdle

Changes "stumbling block" to "hurdle" and "major" to "tough", portraying the obstacle as a challenge to be overcome with effort.

a serious setback

Replaces "stumbling block" with "setback" and "major" with "serious", emphasizing the hindering and delaying effect on progress.

a grave complication

Substitutes "stumbling block" with "complication" and "major" with "grave", stressing the serious and complex nature of the obstacle.

FAQs

What does "a major stumbling block" mean?

The phrase "a major stumbling block" refers to a significant obstacle or difficulty that prevents progress or success in a particular situation.

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

You can use it to describe anything that is significantly hindering progress. For example: "Lack of funding has become "a major stumbling block" for the project."

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

You can use alternatives like "a significant obstacle", "a key impediment", or "a substantial barrier" depending on the context.

Is "a major stumbling block" the same as "a minor setback"?

No, "a major stumbling block" indicates a significant problem, while "a minor setback" suggests a small, temporary delay or issue that is easily overcome.