as a roadblock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a roadblock" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that hinders progress or creates an obstacle in a situation. Example: "The lack of funding served as a roadblock to the project's completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Austin once served as a roadblock to Ings' ambitions.

The Guardian - Sport

Virginia, meanwhile, has tried not to do anything the industry might view as a roadblock.

The Washington Post

Mr. Takagi's predecessor, Shoji Mori, was an old-time bureaucrat widely viewed as a roadblock to change.

The New York Times

They said Mr. Ferrer risked a backlash by standing as a roadblock to an extended term for Mr. Giuliani.

The New York Times

A proper industrial strategy cannot become a reality if other parts of government act as a roadblock to this approach".

The Guardian

It plants subliminal fear and confusion in people's minds, serving as a roadblock against registering and voting.

The New York Times

However, the identification of specific regulatory processes has been elusive, which has served as a roadblock to therapeutic modulation4,5.

Nature

Low energy density of the supercapacitors is considered as a roadblock for its application in or as a primary power source.

Electrochimica Acta

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

At first I considered the thought of having anything but an obligatory check-in phone call with my dad as a roadblock.

HuffPost

Most recently, our lab demonstrated in S. cerevisiae that a tDNA acts as a roadblock to cryptic intergenic transcription [ 30].

BMC Biology

Any N.H.L. defensemen worth his ice time has learned that the most effective way to stop a speeding forward is to use his stick as a roadblock.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a roadblock" when you want to emphasize a complete obstruction or halt to progress, often with connotations of deliberateness or significant impact. For a milder impact, use "as a hindrance" or "as an obstacle".

Common error

Avoid using "as a roadblock" for minor inconveniences. The phrase suggests a substantial and often intentional obstruction. Using it for trivial delays can exaggerate the situation and weaken your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a roadblock" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a verb to describe the manner in which something obstructs or impedes progress. Ludwig provides several examples demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a roadblock" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase widely used to describe something that obstructs progress. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. While it effectively conveys a significant obstruction, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid overstating minor inconveniences. Alternatives such as "as an obstacle" or "as a hindrance" may be more appropriate in less severe situations. The phrase's frequent appearance in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance in formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an obstruction

Direct synonym, emphasizing the act of blocking progress.

as an obstacle

Similar meaning, but refers to something that must be overcome.

as a hindrance

Focuses on delaying or preventing progress, less forceful than "roadblock".

as an impediment

More formal synonym for obstacle or hindrance.

as a barrier

Implies a physical or figurative structure preventing passage.

as a bottleneck

Refers to a point of congestion slowing down a process.

as a stumbling block

Highlights something that causes someone to make a mistake or fail.

as a check

Suggests a restraining influence, preventing something from escalating.

as a constraint

Highlights a limit or restriction on something.

as a complication

Indicates something that makes a situation more difficult.

FAQs

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

You can use "as a roadblock" to describe something that prevents progress or creates a significant obstacle, for example: "Lack of funding served "as a roadblock" to completing the project".

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

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

Is it correct to say "serve as roadblock" without the article?

While understandable, it's grammatically preferable to include the article "a" and say "serve "as a roadblock"". Omitting the article can sound less formal or slightly incorrect in formal writing.

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

"As a roadblock" implies a complete stop or significant obstruction to progress, while "as a barrier" suggests something that separates or prevents access but doesn't necessarily halt progress entirely. A barrier can be overcome, while a roadblock often requires removal or circumvention.