an obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an obstacle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that hinders progress or makes it difficult to achieve a goal. Example: "The lack of funding proved to be an obstacle in completing the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it's not an obstacle.

The Guardian - Opinion

She faces an obstacle.

The Guardian - Books

Is that an obstacle?

The Washington Post

Parking remains an obstacle.

The New York Times

The beaches themselves were an obstacle.

The New York Times

Next, the hem, an obstacle in itself.

The New York Times

But that proved an obstacle, he said.

The New York Times

But there has been an obstacle.

The Economist

The ongoing economic downturn is an obstacle.

The New York Times - Tech

There is even an "obstacle innovation lab".

The New York Times - Sports

Maybe it's no longer an obstacle.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an obstacle" to clearly identify a specific challenge or barrier that needs to be addressed or overcome. It is best used when you want to be direct and concise.

Common error

Avoid using "an obstacle" when a simpler term like "problem" or "difficulty" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly formal or dramatic in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an obstacle" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound. For example, in "The main challenge is an obstacle", it acts as a subject complement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an obstacle" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes a challenge or difficulty. According to Ludwig AI, it’s perfectly acceptable for use in English writing. Its usage is prevalent in news media, scientific publications, and formal business contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using "an obstacle", ensure it precisely identifies a specific hindrance and avoid overuse in simple situations where more common terms would suffice. Alternative phrases like "a barrier" or "a challenge" can be used depending on the specific context to avoid repetition. The high source quality and consistent usage underscore its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a barrier

Emphasizes a physical or metaphorical obstruction.

an obstruction

Emphasizes the act of blocking or hindering.

a hurdle

Implies something that must be overcome to move forward.

an impediment

Focuses on something that delays or prevents progress.

a stumbling block

This suggests a hindrance or difficulty that impedes progress.

a challenge

Highlights the difficulty and the need for effort to overcome it.

a difficulty

A broad term for something that causes trouble or problems.

a setback

Suggests a temporary delay or reversal in progress.

a deterrent

Focuses on something that discourages or prevents action.

a snag

Implies a small, unexpected difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "an obstacle" to describe something that prevents or hinders progress. For instance: "The lack of funding was "an obstacle" to completing the project".

What are some alternatives to using "an obstacle"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a barrier", "an impediment", or "a challenge" as alternatives to "an obstacle".

Is it correct to say "the obstacle" instead of "an obstacle"?

Yes, both are correct but they have slightly different meanings. "The obstacle" refers to a specific, already identified obstacle, while "an obstacle" refers to any obstacle in general or one that is being introduced for the first time.

What's the difference between "an obstacle" and "an obstruction"?

"An obstacle" is a broader term referring to anything that hinders progress. "An obstruction" is something that physically blocks or impedes movement or action. Therefore "an obstruction" is a type of "an obstacle".