as an obstacle to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as an obstacle to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that hinders or prevents progress or achievement in a particular context. Example: "The lack of funding acts as an obstacle to the development of new technologies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

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

The New York Times

saw me as an obstacle to privatization who had to be removed.

The New Yorker

Instead, they now fear being regarded as an obstacle to American alliances in the Arab world.

The New York Times

Later, businessmen saw the meadows as an obstacle to be filled and flattened.

The New York Times

And, simultaneously, government was gaining a reputation as an obstacle to job creation.

The New York Times

By then, cycling had become perceived as an obstacle to modernisation.

The Guardian

Local governments themselves have emerged as an obstacle to cleaning up the small factories.

The New York Times

In classical psychoanalysis, countertransference was regarded as an obstacle to treatment.

The New York Times

But the unions have also emerged as an obstacle to the corporate restructuring the I.M.F.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as an obstacle to", ensure the context clearly defines what is being hindered. For example, specify whether it's progress, success, or a specific goal.

Common error

Avoid pairing "as an obstacle to" with overly abstract or undefined nouns. Instead of saying "as an obstacle to things", specify "as an obstacle to clear communication" for better clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as an obstacle to" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb. It identifies something that hinders or obstructs a particular outcome, process, or goal. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as an obstacle to" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to denote something that impedes progress or achievement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal communication. While alternatives like "as a barrier to" or "as a hindrance to" exist, the choice depends on the desired nuance. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being hindered to avoid vagueness. Being able to use this sentence properly allows you to express concepts in many scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a hindrance to

Replaces "obstacle" with "hindrance", offering a slightly less forceful synonym.

as a barrier to

Substitutes "obstacle" with "barrier", suggesting a more definitive obstruction.

as an impediment to

Uses "impediment" instead of "obstacle", implying a more formal or significant obstruction.

as a deterrent to

Replaces "obstacle" with "deterrent", focusing on the discouraging aspect of the obstruction.

as a block to

Substitutes "obstacle" with "block", suggesting a direct and immediate halt.

as a snag to

Uses "snag" instead of "obstacle", implying a minor or unexpected difficulty.

as a crimp in

Replaces "obstacle" with "crimp", suggesting something that restricts or inhibits.

standing in the way of

Offers a more verbose alternative, emphasizing the act of obstruction.

acting against

Replaces the phrase with a more direct expression of opposition.

militating against

Uses "militating" instead of "obstacle", implying a strong and influential negative force.

FAQs

How to use "as an obstacle to" in a sentence?

The phrase "as an obstacle to" is used to describe something that prevents or hinders progress. For example, "Bureaucracy can act as an obstacle to innovation".

What can I say instead of "as an obstacle to"?

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

Which is correct, "as an obstacle to" or "like an obstacle to"?

"As an obstacle to" is used to describe something functioning as a hindrance. "Like an obstacle to" implies something is similar to an obstruction, but not necessarily acting as one. The first is more direct; the second uses simile.

What's the difference between "as an obstacle to" and "because of"?

"As an obstacle to" describes something that impedes progress, whereas "because of" explains the reason for something. They are not interchangeable; one describes a barrier, the other a cause.