as a barrier

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a barrier" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that serves as a restrictive or protective obstacle. For example: "He put up a wall of books as a barrier between him and his angry neighbor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Don't use it as a barrier.

The New York Times - Sports

But racial prejudice acted as a barrier.

The New York Times

Colorblindness as a barrier to inclusion: Assimilation and nonimmigrant minorities.

Stanford University

I never looked at it as a barrier.

The New York Times - Sports

We will end hunger as a barrier to education.

The Guardian

A decrease in funding was also highlighted as a barrier.

The Guardian

Community leaders, too, regarded it as a barrier.

The New York Times

The team doesn't see this as a barrier though.

The Guardian - Tech

Lack of affordable childcare acts as a barrier to employment.

The Guardian

Neither saw the difference in their ages as a barrier.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Second, Webb appears not to be obsessed with four minutes as a barrier.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a barrier", ensure the sentence clearly identifies what is being blocked or prevented. For example, "Lack of funding acted "as a barrier" to the project's success."

Common error

Avoid using "as a barrier" too frequently in abstract contexts without specific examples. Overusing it can make your writing vague and less impactful. Provide concrete details to illustrate the barrier's effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a barrier" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to describe something that obstructs, hinders, or prevents progress. Ludwig confirms its usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Academia

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a barrier" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe something that obstructs or prevents progress. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and widely used in diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While frequently employed, it's essential to ensure clarity by specifying what exactly is being blocked and to avoid overuse in abstract situations. Alternatives like "acting as an obstruction" or "serving as an impediment" can add variety to your writing. Overall, "as a barrier" is a valuable tool for expressing obstacles, but thoughtful usage is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acting as an obstruction

This alternative highlights the act of blocking or impeding progress.

serving as an impediment

This option emphasizes the hindering effect on something.

constituting a hurdle

This version focuses on the idea of a challenge that needs to be overcome.

posing a hindrance

This phrase stresses the creation of difficulty or delay.

becoming a restriction

This highlights the limiting aspect of the obstacle.

creating an obstacle

This emphasizes the active creation of a barrier.

forming a block

This alternative focuses on the solidity and impenetrability of the barrier.

working as a deterrent

This version stresses the discouraging effect of the barrier.

standing as a barricade

This emphasizes the protective or defensive nature of the barrier.

functioning as a check

This option underlines the controlling or limiting function of the barrier.

FAQs

How can I use "as a barrier" in a sentence?

You can use "as a barrier" to describe something that prevents or hinders progress. For example, "The language difference served "as a barrier" to effective communication."

What can I say instead of "as a barrier"?

Alternatives include "acting as an obstruction", "serving as an impediment", or "constituting a hurdle", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "as barrier" without the article?

No, it is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "as a barrier" or "as the barrier" depending on whether you are referring to a general concept or a specific instance.

What's the difference between "as a barrier" and "as a limitation"?

"As a barrier" implies something that prevents or obstructs, while "as a limitation" suggests something that restricts or confines. A barrier actively blocks, while a limitation sets boundaries.