as a blockade

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a blockade" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that functions as a barrier or obstruction in a particular context. Example: "The heavy snowfall acted as a blockade, preventing any vehicles from passing through the mountain pass."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

In 1861, the Confederates seized the ship as a blockade runner.

The New York Times

Were a new government in Kiev to get tougher with Transdniestria (and thus with Moscow), that could end up as a blockade.

The Economist

Even the occasional lapse into violence, such as a blockade of the Catalan parliament on June 15th, has done little to dent their popularity.

The Economist

The letter also said the Beira Patrol "was not categorised as war but as a blockade, and therefore the use of force was not authorised by the United Nations".

The Guardian - Money

General Sherman, an ironclad schooner recommissioned for use in the China trade after service for the Union as a blockade runner in the Civil War, came sailing across the Yellow Sea and entered the mouth of the Taedong River on the west coast of the Korean peninsula.

The New Yorker

History later revealed the list of proposed military moves he rejected was much longer, such as a blockade of Cuba to stop arms shipments to Nicaragua or an invasion of Panama -- something his successor George H.W. Bush didn't have a second thought about carrying out his first year as president.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Madaya was not listed as under a blockade in a year-end UN report on the situation in Syria, even though UN officials had known about the extent of suffering there for months.

The Guardian

As mentioned, a blockade of 5-HT3 receptors may contribute to the modulation of cortical activation via the cholinergic system.

British Journal of Pharmacology

In November last year he chained himself to a digger for 10 hours as part of a blockade against Whitehaven's Maules Creek coal mine.

The Guardian - Sport

Pocock was arrested after chaining himself to the digger for 10 hours as part of a blockade at the Maules Creek coalmine in New South Wales's Leard state forest in November.

The Guardian

New York and Philadelphia were never subjected to a blockade as Charleston was.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a blockade", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being obstructed and what the purpose of the obstruction is. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "as a blockade" too liberally in metaphorical scenarios where simpler terms like "barrier" or "obstacle" would suffice. Overuse can weaken the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a blockade" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to describe something acting as an obstruction or barrier. Ludwig AI indicates this usage aligns with standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a blockade" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe something functioning as an obstruction or barrier. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. While relatively rare in occurrence, primarily appearing in news and scientific contexts, its usage is straightforward. When writing, ensure the context clearly supports the imagery of a blockade and consider simpler alternatives if the intent is merely to indicate an obstacle. Top sources include The New York Times, The Guardian, and Huffington Post.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an obstruction

Replaces "blockade" with a more general term for something that obstructs progress or passage.

as a barrier

Substitutes "blockade" with a word that indicates a physical or metaphorical obstacle.

as a hindrance

Replaces "blockade" with a term denoting something that delays or prevents progress.

as an impediment

Substitutes "blockade" with a more formal word for an obstacle or obstruction.

as a deterrent

Changes the focus to the preventive aspect, implying that something discourages action.

as a restriction

Shifts the meaning to something that limits or controls access or activity.

as an embargo

Emphasizes the economic or political aspect of a blockade, specifically trade restrictions.

as a siege

Implies a more aggressive and encompassing form of blockade, typically military.

as a cordon

Replaces "blockade" with a term implying a line of people or objects preventing access.

as a check

Replaces "blockade" with a term suggesting something which halts or limits something.

FAQs

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

You can use "as a blockade" to describe something functioning as a barrier. For example, "The snowstorm acted as a blockade, preventing travel".

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

Alternatives include "as an obstruction", "as a barrier", or "as a hindrance", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to use "as a blockade" in a metaphorical sense?

Yes, it is acceptable to use "as a blockade" metaphorically, but ensure the comparison is apt and the context supports the imagery. Simpler terms might be better in some cases.

What's the difference between "as a blockade" and "as a restriction"?

"As a blockade" implies a more forceful and encompassing obstruction, often physical, while "as a restriction" suggests a limitation or control that may not involve physical blockage.