an obstacle to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an obstacle to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is blocking or preventing progress towards something else. For example, "Finding reliable childcare is an obstacle to many single parents seeking employment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"They create an obstacle to national unification.

The New York Times

This is an obstacle to economic progress.

The New Yorker

"Settlements are not an obstacle to peace.

The New Yorker

The PPP is an obstacle to that.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Happiness is an obstacle to serenity".

The Guardian - Books

Israel has somehow become an obstacle to war and an obstacle to peace simultaneously.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Palestinian problem is an obstacle to uniting against Iran.

The New York Times - Magazine

And corruption isn't necessarily an obstacle to economic growth.

The New Yorker

ARE party primaries an obstacle to good government?

The Economist

Other voices say the I.C.C. is an obstacle to peace.

The New York Times

Serfdom was also obviously an obstacle to economic development.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an obstacle to", ensure the noun following "to" clearly identifies what is being hindered. For example: "Lack of funding is an obstacle to research."

Common error

Avoid using "an obstacle to" when referring to minor inconveniences. Reserve it for significant impediments that substantially impact progress. Overusing it can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an obstacle to" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun or verb, indicating something that impedes or hinders progress towards a specific goal or objective. Ludwig AI shows many examples of its use across varied topics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an obstacle to" is a versatile prepositional phrase that identifies impediments to progress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Scientific domains. When employing this phrase, be sure that the following noun clearly defines what is being hindered. While alternatives like "a barrier to" or "a hindrance to" exist, "an obstacle to" remains a clear and effective choice for formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a barrier to

This alternative directly substitutes "obstacle" with "barrier", maintaining a high degree of interchangeability and similarity in meaning.

a hindrance to

Using "hindrance" in place of "obstacle" emphasizes the act of delaying or impeding progress.

an impediment to

"Impediment" suggests something that obstructs progress, similar to "obstacle", but can imply a more formal or significant obstruction.

a deterrent to

"Deterrent" suggests something that discourages or prevents action through fear or doubt.

a setback for

"Setback" refers to an event that delays or reverses progress, differing slightly from a continuous obstruction.

a stumbling block to

This idiomatic expression suggests something that causes one to hesitate or fail.

a challenge to

"Challenge" implies a difficulty that needs to be overcome, which can be less negative than an obstacle.

an encumbrance to

"Encumbrance" suggests a burden or impediment that weighs down progress.

a restraint on

"Restraint" implies something that limits or controls action, acting as an indirect barrier.

a complication for

"Complication" suggests something that makes a situation more complex or difficult, serving as an impediment to simple progress.

FAQs

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

Use "an obstacle to" to describe something that hinders or prevents progress. For example: "Bureaucracy can be an obstacle to innovation."

What are some alternatives to "an obstacle to"?

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

Is it grammatically correct to say "an obstacle for" instead of "an obstacle to"?

While "obstacle for" might be used in some contexts, "an obstacle to" is the more standard and grammatically correct phrasing when indicating what is being hindered. Therefore, always prefer "an obstacle to".

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

"An obstacle to" implies a blockage or hindrance, while "a challenge for" suggests a difficult task or situation that needs to be overcome. "An obstacle to" directly prevents progress, while a challenge requires effort to achieve progress.