as a bar to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a bar to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to indicate something that prevents or obstructs an action or claim. Example: "The statute of limitations acts as a bar to any further legal action in this case."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

In the present case, the main and ultimate question is whether the defendant is legally liable to repay the moneys sued for, and, as incidental to that, whether the act of congress pleaded as a bar to the action is valid.

Cornell University

(Although apparently not as a bar to high office).

The New York Times - Magazine

All the document did, The Times declared, was remove "color" as "a bar to citizenship".

The New York Times

Under European law, language cannot be used as a bar to employment.

The Guardian

Under the Court's decision, the Fourth Amendment no longer stands as a bar to such tyranny and oppression.

Cornell University

"It could effectively act as a bar to U.S. polysilicon exports to China in the short run.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

That's not nearly as high a bar to surpass, as anybody who's ever called the customer service line at their Internet Service Provider or mortgage company knows.

MIT Technology Review

Under these circumstances, we see no reason to interpret the legislation as establishing a bar to judicial innovation.

Harvard University

In 1990, the conference voted that sexual orientation should not be a bar to serving as a rabbi.

The New York Times

And most felons are prohibited by law from carrying weapons — clearly a bar to service as a police officer.

The New York Times

Lobo 2: £50, johnlewis.com This one feels solid and has a two-position recline, as well as a toy bar to keep them entertained.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a bar to", ensure the context is formal or legal. It's appropriate when discussing rules, regulations, or legal impediments.

Common error

Avoid using "as a bar to" in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "obstacle" or "hindrance" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a bar to" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb. It indicates a factor that prevents or impedes something. Ludwig provides examples of its usage in academic and legal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

40%

News & Media

35%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a bar to" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate something that prevents or obstructs an action or outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and most commonly found in formal contexts like academia, news media, and science. When writing, it's best to reserve this phrase for situations where a formal tone is appropriate, considering simpler alternatives like "obstacle" or "hindrance" for more informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an impediment to

Replaces "bar" with "impediment", emphasizing the hindering aspect.

as an obstacle to

Substitutes "bar" with "obstacle", highlighting the obstruction.

as a hindrance to

Uses "hindrance" instead of "bar", focusing on the delay or prevention caused.

as a deterrent to

Replaces "bar" with "deterrent", stressing the discouraging effect.

as a restriction on

Emphasizes the limiting nature of the phrase.

as a limitation on

Similar to "restriction", but focusing on setting boundaries.

as a constraint on

Highlights the element of being restricted or held back.

as a prohibition against

Implies a more formal or legal prevention.

as a preclusion of

A more formal way of saying prevention or exclusion.

as a block to

Simple substitution with "block", indicating something stopping progress.

FAQs

What does "as a bar to" mean?

The phrase "as a bar to" means something that prevents or obstructs a particular action or outcome. It is often used in formal or legal contexts.

What can I say instead of "as a bar to"?

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

Is "as a bar to" formal or informal?

The phrase "as a bar to" is generally considered formal and is often used in legal, academic, or professional settings. Simpler alternatives may be more suitable for informal contexts.

How to use "as a bar to" in a sentence?

You can use "as a bar to" to indicate something preventing an action. For example: "Lack of funding can act as a bar to further research".