a mental hurdle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mental hurdle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a psychological barrier or obstacle that prevents someone from achieving a goal or completing a task. Example: "Overcoming a mental hurdle is often the first step toward success in any challenging endeavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"There was no soreness but more of a mental hurdle.

The New York Times

He spoke of the Braves as a challenging lineup, not a mental hurdle.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think it's going to be a mental hurdle to get over.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's kind of a mental hurdle you have to get over: if I play my best golf, will I win?

The New York Times - Sports

It was a game that Colts Coach Tony Dungy admitted was a mental hurdle his team had to overcome.

The New York Times

Although Watson said she feels good after undergoing surgery to repair the ligament in February, she still has a mental hurdle to overcome.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

But there is a definite mental hurdle between what you know looks genuinely sexy and what the rest of the world considers hot, which is a cross between a Gucci model and a porn star.

The New York Times

"Knowing you can perform at this level is a big mental hurdle for any batsman".

BBC

This can be a difficult mental hurdle for franchisors to overcome - commonly having started the business alone and being used to making solo decisions and not having to account to others, it can be an emotional struggle to take the step to let others become involved with what is effectively your "baby", to delegate to other team members and relinquish elements of control.

Forbes

Manager Terry Collins said he was not concerned about the team creating a self-imposed mental hurdle about the.500 mark.

The New York Times - Sports

For all of this to work, there are a few mental hurdles that car owners need to clear besides generalized fear of strangers and whatever cooties they leave on the steering wheel.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mental hurdle" when referring to overcoming a psychological barrier that requires conscious effort and a change in mindset. This applies especially when discussing personal growth, sports, or business strategy.

Common error

Avoid using "a mental hurdle" when describing purely physical challenges. It's specifically for internal psychological barriers, not external physical obstacles. Make sure the struggle is internal and cognitive, not simply a matter of physical capability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mental hurdle" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., "overcome a mental hurdle") or the complement of a preposition (e.g., "faced with a mental hurdle"). Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Science

6%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a mental hurdle" effectively describes a psychological barrier that needs to be overcome. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in a variety of contexts, though primarily found in news, sports, and business domains. When using the phrase, ensure it refers to an internal, cognitive obstacle rather than a physical one. Consider alternatives such as "psychological barrier" or "cognitive obstacle" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Overall, "a mental hurdle" is a valuable tool for expressing challenges related to mindset and personal growth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

psychological barrier

Focuses more directly on the psychological aspect of the obstacle.

cognitive obstacle

Emphasizes the mental process and thinking involved.

emotional roadblock

Highlights the emotional aspect of the barrier.

intellectual challenge

Suggests a difficulty in understanding or reasoning.

personal obstacle

Generalizes the barrier to a more personal context.

inner conflict

Points towards a struggle within oneself.

self-imposed limitation

Indicates that the barrier is created by oneself.

mental block

Implies a temporary inability to think or remember something.

cognitive constraint

Highlights limitations in cognitive processing.

perceptual difficulty

Focuses on challenges related to perception and understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "a mental hurdle" to describe a psychological barrier that needs to be overcome. For example: "Overcoming that fear was a significant "a mental hurdle" for her."

What's a good alternative to "a mental hurdle"?

Alternatives include "psychological barrier", "cognitive obstacle", or "emotional roadblock". The best choice depends on the specific context and the aspect of the barrier you want to emphasize.

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

Yes, "a mental hurdle" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when discussing challenges in business, sports, or personal development. However, consider alternatives like "cognitive obstacle" for scientific or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "a mental hurdle" and "a challenge"?

"A challenge" is a broad term for any difficult task. "A mental hurdle" specifically refers to an internal, psychological barrier that must be overcome, often involving a change in mindset or perspective.