as a bottleneck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a bottleneck" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, condition, or process where progress is hindered by a factor that narrows the possibilities. For example, "The lack of resources available is acting as a bottleneck in the development of our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Which resource acts as a bottleneck?

University of California, Berkeley

In computer science, this is known as a "bottleneck" problem.

The New York Times - Magazine

As well as a bottleneck on the islands, there is also a buildup of stranded migrants at Greece's northern borders.

The Guardian

However, there are several open problems that are viewed as a bottleneck in the mathematical modeling.

Computers in Industry

Even with sufficient resources for food-security interventions, inefficiency in allocation can act as a bottleneck for successful programming.

The Washington Post

In this sense, "conformity assessment" acts as a bottleneck, and can be prohibitively costly for the U.S. exporter.

The Washington Post

The amount of endogenous PQQ is generally regarded as a bottleneck to achieving higher catalytic efficiency of PQQ-dependent dehydrogenases.

Biochemical Engineering Journal

It is found that acting as a bottleneck, the bus stop near the intersection causes the drop of the capacity.

Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications

One of the challenges for Nanotechnology is education, which is considered as a bottleneck for Nanotechnology development and implementation.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Evacuation experiments of pedestrians passing through a corridor, which acts as a bottleneck, are conducted in this study.

Fire Safety Journal

But senators fear that the White House sees the House as a bottleneck where it can block the broader sanctions bill.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a bottleneck", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being restricted or slowed down. Be specific about the cause and effect to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "as a bottleneck" in overly complex sentences where its meaning can become diluted or unclear. Simplify the sentence structure to maintain impact and readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a bottleneck" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, adjective, or noun. It indicates a limiting factor or point of congestion within a system or process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

29%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a bottleneck" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that restricts flow or progress. According to Ludwig, it is frequently used in scientific, news, and business contexts to pinpoint and characterize constraints. When using "as a bottleneck", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being restricted or slowed down. Ludwig's examples illustrate its diverse application, from technical processes to socio-economic issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an impediment

Focuses on the obstructive nature, emphasizing the hindrance caused.

as an obstacle

Highlights the blocking aspect, suggesting a challenge to overcome.

as a constraint

Emphasizes the restrictive nature, indicating a limitation on options.

as a hindrance

Similar to impediment, stressing the delaying effect.

as a complication

Indicates an added difficulty that makes things more complex.

as a choke point

Specifically refers to a point where flow is restricted, often in a logistical or strategic sense.

as a crimp

Suggests something that negatively affects or weakens something else.

as a snag

Implies a hidden or unexpected problem that causes a delay.

as a hitch

Similar to snag, but often implying a temporary or minor issue.

as a stumbling block

Suggests an obstacle that causes someone to hesitate or make a mistake.

FAQs

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

Use "as a bottleneck" to describe something that restricts flow or progress. For example, "The outdated software is acting "as a bottleneck", slowing down our entire workflow."

What are some alternatives to "as a bottleneck"?

Alternatives include "as an impediment", "as an obstacle", or "as a constraint depending on the specific context".

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "as a bottleneck"?

It's suitable in various contexts, including discussing business processes, scientific research, or logistical operations, where something is hindering efficiency or progress.

Is "as a bottleneck" formal or informal?

"As a bottleneck" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings, though it's most common in professional or technical discussions.