as an obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

"as an obstacle" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe anything that is a hindrance to achieving a goal. For example, "She faced many obstacles, including cultural expectations, as an obstacle to achieving her dreams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The vertical flights used hay bales as an obstacle.

The New York Times

State constitutions have stood as an obstacle to that goal.

The New York Times

Disability can act as an obstacle to financial inclusion too.

The Guardian

Some numbly treated the body as an obstacle.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm surprised you haven't mentioned money as an obstacle.

Harvard Business Review

I see our office not as an obstacle.

The New York Times

I don't see that [the presidency] as an obstacle.

The Guardian

Q: Do you see alcohol producers as an obstacle for legalized cannabis?

Yale University

Unfortunately, Gov. George W. Bush has so far joined Mr. Lott as an obstacle to reform.

The New York Times

MEANWHILE, though, the current system is seen as an obstacle by Internet music entrepreneurs.

The New York Times

The Fixed Term Parliament Act is often cited as an obstacle.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as an obstacle", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being hindered or prevented. For example, "Lack of funding served as an obstacle to the project's completion".

Common error

Avoid using "as an obstacle" without clearly defining what it is hindering. Vague references can confuse the reader. Instead of saying "The process was an obstacle", specify "The bureaucratic process was an obstacle to innovation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as an obstacle" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, indicating something that hinders or prevents progress. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, effectively illustrating its role in describing impediments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as an obstacle" is a prepositional phrase used to describe something that hinders progress or prevents a goal from being achieved. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It is frequently used in News & Media and Scientific contexts, with a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for professional and academic writing. Alternatives include "as a barrier" and "as a hindrance", though each carries slightly different connotations. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the context clearly identifies what is being hindered to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a barrier

Substitutes "obstacle" with "barrier", implying a more substantial impediment.

as a stumbling block

Replaces "obstacle" with "stumbling block", suggesting something that causes someone to hesitate or make a mistake.

as an impediment

Uses "impediment" instead of "obstacle", indicating something that delays or prevents progress.

as a hindrance

Replaces "obstacle" with "hindrance", implying something that makes it more difficult to do something.

as an obstruction

Replaces "obstacle" with "obstruction", indicating something that physically blocks or impedes progress.

as a deterrent

Uses "deterrent" in place of "obstacle", suggesting something that discourages or prevents someone from doing something.

as a complication

Substitutes "obstacle" with "complication", implying something that makes a situation more complex or difficult.

as a setback

Replaces "obstacle" with "setback", suggesting a temporary delay or problem.

as an encumbrance

Uses "encumbrance" instead of "obstacle", suggesting something that burdens or weighs someone down.

as a challenge

Uses "challenge" instead of "obstacle", implying something that tests someone's abilities.

FAQs

How can I use "as an obstacle" in a sentence?

Use "as an obstacle" to describe something that hinders progress or prevents a goal from being achieved. For instance, "The language barrier served as an obstacle to effective communication".

What are some alternatives to saying "as an obstacle"?

You can use alternatives such as "as a barrier", "as a hindrance", or "as an impediment" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "obstacle" or "barrier"?

Both "obstacle" and "barrier" can be used to describe something that blocks progress, but "barrier" often implies a more significant and harder-to-overcome impediment. Choose the word that best fits the intensity of the hindrance.

What's the difference between "as an obstacle" and "as a challenge"?

"As an obstacle" implies something that prevents or hinders progress, while "as a challenge" suggests something that tests one's abilities and requires effort to overcome. A challenge can be motivating, while an obstacle is typically frustrating.