an obstacle surfaces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an obstacle surfaces" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where a problem or challenge becomes apparent or emerges unexpectedly. Example: "As we progressed with the project, an obstacle surfaces that we hadn't anticipated, requiring us to rethink our strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was determined that the interaction between the flame front and the reflected shock waves produced from contact of the lead shock wave with the channel top, channel bottom, and obstacle surfaces govern the late stage of flame acceleration process.

Combustion and Flame

A more serious obstacle surfaced when it was noticed that Ms. Caucus's application lacked a Social Security number, necessary to provide each applicant with a unique ID.

University of California, Berkeley

Crash circumstances: collision (with a motor vehicle, obstacle, surface feature, cyclist, pedestrian or animal) versus fall; collision with a motor vehicle versus not; motor vehicle 'involvement' (ie, both direct collisions with vehicles and crashes resulting from motor vehicle avoidance manoeuvres) versus not.

BMJ Open

Also, this frame moves purely laterally relative to the obstacle surface; therefore, given a laterally homogenous obstacle, we can treat it as stationary in the dHT frame.

Earth, Planets and Space

In contrast, electrons are found in the center of the wake near the obstacle surface, except for a part of the negative-y area.

Earth, Planets and Space

In this type of nuclear organization, the protein chromatin interactions at the obstacle surface occur in a particle-size dependent manner.

Epigenetics and Chromatin

In this paper, a novel method is presented for solving the inverse obstacle scattering problem of the two-dimensional Helmholtz equation, which is to reconstruct the obstacle surface by using the near-field data.

Journal of Computational Physics

In this latest edition, NFPA 68 (2013), the vent area correlation accounts for varying degrees of congestion if the ratio of the obstacle surface area (Aobs) to that of the enclosure internal surface area (As) is greater than 0.4 (i.e., Ar = Aobs/As > 0.4).

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

But an obstacle has already surfaced, dimming the chances that a "grand bargain" will be achieved: Democrats are sounding the alarm that reshaping the tax code presents Mr. Trump's biggest conflict of interest yet.

The New York Times

These constitute an obstacle on the lunar surface as well as to the antenna pattern of a landing unit.

Earth, Planets and Space

However, stick-slip behavior originating from the contact friction between the movable part and the guide surface poses an obstacle for precise modeling.

Sensors and Actuators A: Physical

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an obstacle surfaces" when you want to highlight the unexpected appearance of a challenge or difficulty in a project, plan, or situation. This phrasing emphasizes the novelty and potential disruptiveness of the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "an obstacle surfaces" in very casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a problem came up" or "we hit a snag" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an obstacle surfaces" functions as a statement, typically within a clause, indicating the emergence or manifestation of a problem or challenge. Ludwig AI suggests that it’s a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an obstacle surfaces" is grammatically correct and serves to denote the appearance of a new challenge or problem. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, though examples are currently limited. While versatile, it leans towards a neutral register, making it suitable for professional and news contexts. Consider alternatives like "a problem arises" or "a challenge emerges" to fine-tune the tone and emphasis in different situations. Because of the lack of the examples, the frequency of use for this word is missing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a problem arises

Replaces "obstacle" with a more general term, "problem", and "surfaces" with "arises", suggesting a natural emergence.

a challenge emerges

Substitutes "obstacle" with "challenge", implying a test or difficulty that appears.

a difficulty arises

Similar to "a problem arises" but focuses specifically on a troublesome situation.

a hurdle appears

Replaces "obstacle" with "hurdle", suggesting something to overcome, and "surfaces" with "appears", indicating visibility.

a snag develops

Uses "snag" to mean a small problem and "develops" to indicate gradual appearance.

an issue comes up

Replaces "obstacle" with "issue", denoting a point of discussion or concern, and "surfaces" with the phrasal verb "comes up".

a complication arises

Uses "complication" to refer to something that makes a situation more difficult.

a setback occurs

Replaces "obstacle" with "setback", referring to a delay or reversal in progress, and "surfaces" with "occurs".

a hitch surfaces

Similar to "snag", a "hitch" refers to a temporary impediment.

a stumbling block appears

Uses "stumbling block" as a more descriptive term for "obstacle".

FAQs

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

You can use "an obstacle surfaces" to describe the unexpected appearance of a problem or challenge. For example, "During the planning phase, "an obstacle surfaces" regarding funding."

What can I say instead of "an obstacle surfaces"?

You can use alternatives like "a problem arises", "a challenge emerges", or "a difficulty arises" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "an obstacle surfaces" or "an obstacle emerges"?

While both are grammatically correct, "an obstacle surfaces" often implies that the obstacle was previously hidden or unknown, whereas "an obstacle emerges" simply means it becomes apparent. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "an obstacle surfaces" and "obstacles surfaced"?

"An obstacle surfaces" refers to a single, specific problem that appears, while "obstacles surfaced" suggests that multiple problems or challenges became apparent. The plural form indicates a broader range of difficulties.