a serious impediment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious impediment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant obstacle or hindrance that affects progress or success in a particular situation. Example: "The lack of funding has become a serious impediment to the project's development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Problems in the housing market are a serious impediment to a stronger economic recovery," he said.

The New York Times

This is a serious impediment because the Games want the highest standard of competition.

The New York Times

But he did not mention a serious impediment to this noble goal.

The New York Times

"So I don't think the ruling should be a serious impediment to Windows XP".

The New York Times

It's a serious impediment to anyone wanting to tour the region.

The Guardian - Travel

Representation in the top leadership echelons is virtually zero – a serious impediment to gender parity in a one-party state.

The New York Times

He has to be careful, because sometimes you can make a mistake that can be a serious impediment".

The New York Times

A lack of bricklayers and carpenters is cited by more than a quarter of businesses as a serious impediment.

Independent

Legal experts say the threat of such retaliation poses a serious impediment to any kind of defense.

The New York Times

But Mr. Blaustein of Flexplay argues that the 48-hour period will not be a serious impediment.

The New York Times

They said the growing use of the law "has become a serious impediment to U.S. companies investing abroad".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "major obstacle" or "significant barrier" for variety and to avoid repetition in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a serious impediment" for minor inconveniences. This phrase implies a significant obstruction, not just a slight delay or minor issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious impediment" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, indicating that it identifies and characterizes a significant obstacle or hindrance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a serious impediment" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote a significant obstacle or hindrance. As Ludwig AI indicates, it functions as a noun phrase and is predominantly used in formal contexts such as news, science, and business writing. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what is being hindered and the severity of the obstacle. Remember to differentiate it from minor inconveniences, and consider using synonyms like "major obstacle" or "significant barrier" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major obstacle

Emphasizes the scale of the impediment as being large or significant.

a significant barrier

Highlights the hindering aspect of the impediment, acting as a blockade.

a considerable hindrance

Focuses on the delaying or obstructive nature of the impediment.

a substantial setback

Highlights the regressive impact of the impediment on progress.

a grave encumbrance

Indicates the impediment is burdensome and weighty, causing difficulty.

a formidable obstacle

Suggests that the impediment is challenging to overcome due to its size or complexity.

a critical stumbling block

Implies the impediment can cause failure or halt progress if not properly addressed.

a tough challenge

Underlines the difficulty posed by the impediment, framing it as a test.

a difficult hurdle

Suggests the impediment is an obstacle that requires effort to overcome.

a marked disadvantage

Focuses on the limiting or unfavorable position created by the impediment.

FAQs

How to use "a serious impediment" in a sentence?

You can use "a serious impediment" to describe a significant obstacle that is hindering progress or success. For example: "The lack of funding is "a serious impediment" to the project's completion."

What can I say instead of "a serious impediment"?

You can use alternatives like "a major obstacle", "a significant barrier", or "a considerable hindrance" depending on the context.

What makes "a serious impediment" different from "a minor inconvenience"?

"A serious impediment" refers to a substantial obstacle that significantly impacts progress, whereas "a minor inconvenience" is a slight and easily manageable issue.

Is it correct to use "a serious impediment" in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "a serious impediment" can be used in both formal and informal writing, although it is more commonly found in formal contexts due to its descriptive and somewhat elevated tone.