a material obstruction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a material obstruction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to a physical barrier or hindrance that affects movement or progress. Example: "The construction site had a material obstruction that prevented vehicles from passing through."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Trying to get DOJ to go after Comey – a material witness – over 'leak' is yet more obstruction of Justice," he tweeted.

The Guardian

"Trying to get DoJ to go after Comey – a material witness – over 'leak' is yet more obstruction of justice," Painter tweeted.

The Guardian

Imaging in all three cases failed to directly visualize dislocation of the wafer material causing obstruction of the CSF pathways, but because the stability of fibrin glue in situ remains within days, it is unlikely that it can prevent wafers from dislocation over the course of wafer biodegradation.

Acta Neurochirurgica

Such a command constitutes "an obstruction of justice," Toobin says.

The New Yorker

Mr. Wright underwent an operation Saturday for an intestinal obstruction.

The New York Times

The trunk was a big obstruction.

The New Yorker

He said the problem was a door obstruction.

The New York Times

It's a lethal obstruction to progress.

Forbes

I've had a bowel obstruction and a retina detachment.

Los Angeles Times

You have a bowel obstruction and need emergency surgery.

Huffington Post

Differential loading of the high side and special measures to undercut the material composing the obstruction may be necessary.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an abstract impediment, consider whether "material" accurately conveys the intended meaning. If the obstruction is not physical, a different adjective like "significant" or "substantial" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "material obstruction" to describe purely conceptual or abstract impediments. It is more fitting for tangible, physical blockages. For abstract concepts, consider using phrases like "significant challenge" or "major obstacle" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a material obstruction" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a tangible or physical barrier. According to Ludwig, it's usable in written English, referring to a physical hindrance affecting movement or progress.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a material obstruction" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a physical barrier or hindrance. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English, particularly when referring to tangible impediments. While the phrase isn't exceedingly common, it finds its place in neutral to formal contexts, especially within News & Media and Science domains. Alternatives like "a physical barrier" or "a substantial impediment" can offer nuanced variations, and authors should be mindful of using it only when a physical obstruction is intended, to avoid miscommunication. Common usage errors include using it in abstract contexts. In conclusion, "a material obstruction" is a precise phrase with specific applications, best reserved for describing tangible impediments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a physical impediment

Replaces 'material' with 'physical' to specifically indicate that the obstruction is a tangible one.

a real obstacle

Highlights the authenticity and noteworthiness of the obstruction using 'real' instead of 'material'.

a significant obstacle

Substitutes 'material obstruction' with 'significant obstacle', highlighting the challenge it presents.

a tangible barrier

Focuses on the physical, touchable nature of the obstruction, using 'tangible' instead of 'material'.

a concrete impediment

Similar to 'tangible barrier', this highlights the physical and real nature of the obstruction.

a substantial impediment

Replaces 'material' with 'substantial' and 'obstruction' with 'impediment', emphasizing the significance of the hindrance.

a considerable hindrance

Emphasizes the delaying or preventing effect of the obstruction, using 'hindrance' as a synonym.

a noteworthy barrier

This alternative emphasizes that the barrier is worth paying attention to due to its importance.

a major blockage

Replaces the more formal 'material obstruction' with the simpler 'major blockage', often used for physical obstructions.

a notable encumbrance

A more formal alternative, 'encumbrance' suggests a burden or something that weighs down progress.

FAQs

How can I use "a material obstruction" in a sentence?

The phrase "a material obstruction" is used to describe a physical barrier or impediment. For example, "The collapsed building formed a material obstruction on the road".

What are some alternatives to "a material obstruction"?

You can use alternatives such as "a physical barrier", "a tangible hindrance", or "a substantial impediment" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "a material obstruction" for non-physical barriers?

While grammatically correct, "a material obstruction" is best used for physical barriers. For non-physical impediments, consider phrases like "a significant challenge" or "a major obstacle".

What's the difference between "a material obstruction" and "a significant obstruction"?

"A material obstruction" specifically implies a physical or tangible blockage. "A significant obstruction", on the other hand, denotes an obstruction that is important or noteworthy, whether physical or not. The choice depends on whether you need to emphasize the physical nature of the blockage.