a significant roadblock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant roadblock" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a major obstacle or challenge that hinders progress in a situation or project. Example: "The lack of funding has become a significant roadblock in our efforts to launch the new initiative."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Experts said the S.E.C. registration issue would not be a significant roadblock for Google's offering.

The New York Times

Unlike Chrysler, G.M. has so far not faced a significant roadblock to a speedy turnaround.

The New York Times

Yet in a separate policy proposal also issued on Thursday, the agency handed researchers and advocates a victory in removing a significant roadblock to medical studies of marijuana.

The New York Times - Health

Apart from potential political problems in pursuing insider trading cases, the Constitution puts up a significant roadblock to investigating a member of Congress: the Speech or Debate Clause.

The New York Times

The revamping of the St .John's basketball program hit a significant roadblock Thursday when three top recruits failed to qualify academically, leaving the team with just eight scholarship players to start the season.

The New York Times - Sports

As we said in our earlier analysis, this could pose a significant roadblock to these types of services, which channel user payments through mobile carriers.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Potential rejection by students as they are practicing these new pedagogical skills represents a real and significant roadblock.

CBE Life Sciences Education

In particular, Mr. Campbell said, the state must be a better steward of its water resources, since the strains of pollution and overuse are making them the most significant roadblock to the state's growth.

The New York Times

But it's definitely hit another significant roadblock in its quest to bring some fun alternative handsets to the market.

TechCrunch

However, it should be noted that the most significant roadblock to generating single-cell resolution methylation data is that current techniques are harsh and result in massive loss of DNA template.

Clinical and Translational Medicine

The Texas Secretary of State recognized in a December 2014 report that significant roadblocks—including the remote locations of the communities and limited grant funding continue to hinder progress for many of the subdivisions.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a significant roadblock" to clearly communicate a substantial obstacle that is hindering progress or preventing a desired outcome. This phrase is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While effective, avoid overuse of "a significant roadblock". Vary your language by using synonyms such as "major impediment" or "substantial hurdle" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies and characterizes a specific obstacle that hinders progress or achievement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a significant roadblock" effectively communicates a major obstacle that is hindering progress. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its broad applicability. While grammatically sound and commonly used, avoid overusing it and consider using synonyms like ""a major impediment"" or ""a substantial hurdle"" to enhance your writing. Remember to tailor your choice of phrase to the specific context and the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major impediment

Emphasizes the hindering aspect of the obstacle, similar to a roadblock.

a substantial hurdle

Highlights the need to overcome a challenge, similar to navigating a roadblock.

a key obstacle

Focuses on the importance of the obstacle in preventing progress.

a considerable barrier

Indicates a restriction or limitation that needs to be addressed.

a serious setback

Highlights the negative impact on progress due to the obstacle.

a critical bottleneck

Emphasizes the point of congestion or obstruction hindering progress.

a formidable challenge

Stresses the difficulty and demanding nature of the obstacle.

a tough constraint

Highlights the limiting factor impacting potential actions or outcomes.

a grave difficulty

Indicates a serious problem that creates significant obstacles.

a major stumbling block

Highlights the potential for causing a mistake or failure due to the obstacle.

FAQs

How can I use "a significant roadblock" in a sentence?

You can use "a significant roadblock" to describe a major obstacle hindering progress. For example, "The lack of funding is "a significant roadblock" to the project's completion."

What are some alternatives to "a significant roadblock"?

Alternatives include "a major impediment", "a substantial hurdle", or "a key obstacle". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it better to say "significant roadblock" or "major roadblock"?

Both "significant roadblock" and "major roadblock" are acceptable. "Significant" implies importance or consequence, while "major" suggests size or extent. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "a challenge" and "a significant roadblock"?

A "challenge" is a general term for something difficult to overcome. "A significant roadblock", in contrast, implies a more serious and potentially halting obstacle that is impeding progress in a more direct manner.