an obstacle for

USAGE SUMMARY

"an obstacle for" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is causing difficulty or hindering progress. Example: Lack of access to education can be an obstacle for children living in remote areas.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cost is an obstacle for some people.

The Washington Post

The fee is believed to be an obstacle for many.

The New York Times

"It's an obstacle for them," said Mr. Kronegger.

The New York Times

Such employee satisfaction may be an obstacle for organizers.

The New York Times

It's never been an obstacle for me in my life.

The Guardian

The high cost of living is an obstacle for N.Y.U.

The New York Times

Q: Do you see alcohol producers as an obstacle for legalized cannabis?

Yale University

These regulations posed an obstacle for the self-understanding of Catholic American readers, writers, and scholars.

Cornell University

"I think that's just as big of an obstacle for her.

The Guardian

Slepoy said the amnesty law would not be an obstacle for the resolution in Pamplona.

The Guardian

Education has also improved access to capital, long an obstacle for black entrepreneurs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an obstacle for", clearly identify what is being hindered. This provides context and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "an obstacle for" in overly passive sentences. For instance, instead of saying "Progress was seen as an obstacle for by some", opt for a more direct statement such as "Some saw progress as "an obstacle for" their plans".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an obstacle for" functions as a noun phrase complement, typically following a verb like "be", "present", or "pose". It identifies something that hinders or impedes the progress or success of something else. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples of its use in context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

37%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an obstacle for" is a grammatically correct and common phrase used to describe something that hinders progress or creates difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, its frequent appearance in News & Media, Scientific, and Academic contexts demonstrates its broad applicability. When using this phrase, be sure to clearly identify what is being hindered to provide necessary context. While "obstacle to" is often preferred in formal writing, "an obstacle for" remains a valid and widely understood alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a barrier to

This alternative focuses on the idea of something that prevents movement or progress.

a hindrance to

This alternative highlights the aspect of something that delays or impedes.

an impediment to

This alternative suggests something that obstructs progress or action.

a stumbling block for

This alternative emphasizes the idea of something that causes someone to make a mistake or fail.

an obstruction to

This alternative focuses on the physical act of blocking or hindering something.

a challenge for

This alternative softens the negativity, framing the obstacle as something to overcome.

an encumbrance to

This alternative emphasizes the burden or weight of the obstacle.

a deterrent to

This alternative highlights the discouraging effect of the obstacle.

a setback for

This alternative suggests a temporary delay or reversal in progress.

a complication for

This alternative points to an element that makes something more complex and difficult.

FAQs

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

"An obstacle for" is used to describe something that hinders progress or makes something difficult. For example: "The language barrier was "an obstacle for" the refugees".

What are some alternatives to using "an obstacle for"?

You can use alternatives such as "a barrier to", "a hindrance to", or "an impediment to" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "obstacle to" or "obstacle for"?

While both "obstacle to" and "obstacle for" are grammatically acceptable, "obstacle to" is generally more common and often preferred in formal writing. "Obstacle for" is also widely used and understood.

What's the difference between "an obstacle for" and "a challenge for"?

While both phrases indicate difficulty, "an obstacle for" implies something that hinders or blocks progress, while "a challenge for" suggests something that tests one's abilities and requires effort to overcome. A challenge can be motivating, while an obstacle is primarily hindering.