a sizable obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sizable obstacle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a significant challenge or barrier that needs to be overcome in various contexts, such as personal, professional, or academic situations. Example: "The lack of funding presented a sizable obstacle to the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Banzhaf further suspected and his suspicion came to be fully realized that a sizable obstacle that would have to be overcome if the application of the F.C.C. fairness doctrine to cigarette advertising should eventually be upheld in the courts was the problem of insuring that television stations would make serious efforts to comply with the F.C.C. decision.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

That the project should have stumbled – over the quite sizable obstacle of Bowie's refusal to grant permission to use his back catalogue is rather disappointing.

The Guardian - Opinion

One sizable obstacle for Zazzle is archrival CafePress, which claims to be years ahead in efficiency.

Forbes

But the plan faces one rather sizable obstacle: the Michael Jackson estate.

Huffington Post

But such an approach faces sizable obstacles, the biggest being the conflict over Kashmir.

The New York Times

Photograph by Joanne Leonard Mills rejects the well-made Hollywood script, which bullies us into empathy for the main character by picking on him in the first act and giving him increasingly sizable obstacles to overcome — then rewards us with a gauzy scene of affirmation.

The New Yorker

MIAMI -- (14-9, 6-4) will face two sizable obstacles in its bid for the N.C.A.A. tournament: a game today against No. 23 NORTH CAROLINA -- (14-6, 5-4) and one Thursday at No. 17 Boston College (19-5, 7-4).

The New York Times

For all its translations, the "Aeneid" erects sizable obstacles for anybody hoping to render it into satisfying English.

The New York Times

But even if organizations can somehow clear that hurdle -- by promoting the Web site on every piece of fund-raising literature mailed, for instance -- other sizable obstacles remain.

The New York Times

Young job seekers face sizable obstacles, not least of which is the current economic climate.

Huffington Post

Nevertheless, recent advances in our understanding of this family of enzymes have allowed us to overcome these obstacles and develop a sizable number of clinically applicable therapeutic agents.

Journal of Analytical Science and Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sizable obstacle", ensure the adjective accurately reflects the impact of the obstacle on the situation. Overstating or understating the obstacle's magnitude can diminish your argument's credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "a sizable obstacle" when describing minor inconveniences; reserve it for genuinely significant impediments. Overusing this phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sizable obstacle" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sizable obstacle" effectively conveys the presence of a significant impediment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and usable in various contexts, ranging from news reporting to encyclopedic descriptions. While its frequency is uncommon, its usage in authoritative sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica underscores its credibility. Consider alternative phrases like "a significant impediment" or "a considerable hurdle" to add variety to your writing, but remember to judge the true scale of the obstacle in order to preserve credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant impediment

Replaces "sizable" with "significant", offering a direct synonym with similar impact.

a considerable hurdle

Substitutes "obstacle" with "hurdle" and "sizable" with "considerable", changing the imagery slightly while maintaining the core meaning.

a major challenge

Uses "challenge" instead of "obstacle", framing the issue as something to be overcome actively.

a substantial barrier

Replaces "obstacle" with "barrier", emphasizing the obstructive nature of the impediment.

a formidable problem

Shifts the focus to the problematic nature of the obstacle, using "formidable" to convey its difficulty.

a tough challenge to overcome

Adds the element of needing to "overcome" the challenge explicitly stating the need to resolve the challenge.

a great difficulty

Uses "difficulty" to describe the obstacle, emphasizing the struggle it presents.

a major stumbling block

Employs the metaphor of a "stumbling block", highlighting the potential for the obstacle to cause failure or delay.

a mountain to climb

Introduces a metaphorical expression, presenting the obstacle as something arduous and lengthy to surpass.

a tricky situation

Focuses on the complexity and difficulty of the situation created by the obstacle.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sizable obstacle" to describe a significant challenge or barrier that needs to be overcome. For example, "The lack of funding presented "a sizable obstacle" to the project's success."

What phrases are similar to "a sizable obstacle"?

Alternatives include "a significant impediment", "a considerable hurdle", or "a major challenge".

Is "sizable obstacle" formal or informal?

The phrase "a sizable obstacle" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, although it leans slightly towards a more formal tone. The register depends more on the surrounding vocabulary.

Is it correct to say "sizeable obstacle" or "sizable obstacle"?

"Sizable" and "sizeable" are both acceptable spellings, but "sizable" is more commonly used in American English. They both have the same meaning.