a physical obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a physical obstacle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a tangible barrier or hindrance that prevents movement or progress in a physical context. Example: "The fallen tree created a physical obstacle on the hiking trail, making it difficult for us to continue."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"I might say, 'I want to turn ShondaLand' " — Shonda Rhimes's production company, whose logo depicts a heart at the center of a glitzy roller coaster — " 'into a physical obstacle course.' Then we flesh it out.

The New Yorker

However, if a physical obstacle blocks the participant's desired path, but the possible bypass route for the obstacle is very costly in terms of metabolic energy or time, it is observed that in practice, the walker may attempt to pass over or under the obstacle by making further measurements.

Open Geospatial Data, Software and Standards

A sharp local convexity and concavity of the surface (i.e., abrupt changes of the surface elevation) or any other type of environmental setting that constrains the walker's locomotion may be considered a physical obstacle where the intangible constraints for human mobility may be categorized as non-physical obstacles.

Open Geospatial Data, Software and Standards

Eliminating the need for hydrogen peroxide--some 300 liters per 1 million packages, minimizes a physical obstacle to speeding up the line and saves costs.

Huffington Post

3. A physical obstacle equipped with sensors and other security measures would offer an effective way to impede the illegal traffic of drugs, arms and people across the border.

Huffington Post

Is there, then, a way he can create jobs through infrastructure investment, construct a physical obstacle at the U.S.-Mexico border that helps stem unlawful and dangerous crossings while, at the same time, mending rifts with Mexico, liberal and environmentally-conscious California ― and even China?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

What I mean by "agility" is being quick on your feet, being able to navigate any area with ease, and being able to overcome any physical obstacle.

WikiHow

Remove any physical obstacles without being spotted or challenged.

City, Territory and Architecture

The application of pattern recognition could increase the efficiency of the method in terms of providing additional information about an object placed on the rails, the physical obstacle between the camera and the rails.

Urban Rail Transit

To some extent, invasive ability is even more important because the first step in metastasis involves passing through a basement membrane (BM), which is the major physical obstacle to cancer cell metastasis [ 31].

BMC Cancer

But I like for there to be some physical obstacle to overcome, to help me focus.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing challenges, use "a physical obstacle" to highlight tangible barriers that impede progress or movement. For example, "The mountain range presented a significant physical obstacle to westward expansion".

Common error

Avoid using "a physical obstacle" to describe abstract or intangible challenges such as emotional or mental barriers. It is more appropriate to use terms like 'challenge', 'hurdle', or 'impediment' in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a physical obstacle" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig confirms its use in describing tangible impediments. Examples include "A physical obstacle equipped with sensors" and "The hilly terrain is a physical obstacle to travel."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a physical obstacle" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that refers to a tangible barrier or impediment. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various domains, including science, news media, and formal business, demonstrating its versatile application. Ludwig AI also confirms the correctness of this phrase. While "a physical obstacle" is appropriate for describing tangible hindrances, it should not be used for abstract challenges. Alternatives like "a tangible barrier" or "a material impediment" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a physical hindrance

Synonymous, with 'hindrance' underscoring the act of delaying or preventing something.

a tangible barrier

Focuses on the tangibility of the barrier, emphasizing its physical presence.

a material impediment

Highlights the hindering nature of the physical object, suggesting an obstruction to progress.

a corporeal obstacle

Uses 'corporeal' to emphasize the physical or bodily nature of the obstacle.

a concrete obstruction

Stresses the solid and real nature of the obstruction, reinforcing its physicality.

a spatial constraint

Focuses on the limitation imposed on space or movement by the object.

a structural barrier

Indicates that the obstacle is part of a structure or framework.

a bodily impediment

Emphasizes the impact on bodily movement or physical capability.

a terrestrial blockade

Suggests a deliberate blocking of land or passage.

a topographic barrier

Indicates a barrier related to the land's surface features.

FAQs

How can I use "a physical obstacle" in a sentence?

You can use "a physical obstacle" to describe a tangible barrier. For example, "The construction site presented "a physical obstacle" to pedestrians".

What are some alternatives to "a physical obstacle"?

Some alternatives include "a tangible barrier", "a material impediment", or "a concrete obstruction" depending on the specific context.

Is "a physical obstacle" the same as "a metaphorical obstacle"?

No, "a physical obstacle" refers to something tangible that blocks movement or progress, while a metaphorical obstacle represents an intangible challenge or difficulty.

Can 'challenge' be used in place of "a physical obstacle"?

Sometimes, but 'challenge' is broader. While "a physical obstacle" implies a tangible impediment, 'challenge' can refer to any difficult situation, whether physical or not.