barrier of entry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "barrier of entry" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in discussions about market dynamics, referring to obstacles that make it difficult for new competitors to enter a market. Example: "High startup costs can create a significant barrier of entry for new businesses in the tech industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

"It's a lower barrier of entry".

The New York Times

I believe you have to look at the barrier of entry for both groups.

The Guardian - Tech

The Lower East Side has the lowest barrier of entry, with the highest upside".

The New York Times - Food

If we focus cloud on lowering the barrier of entry and cost of failure we will see more companies experimenting and exploring things previously not possible.

The Guardian

"One of the reasons that we got our financing and went to Project Sunburst when we did was to raise a barrier of entry to prospective competition," he added.

The New York Times

It's a good barrier of entry.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Because each user contributes computer and networking resources, it offers a low-barrier-of-entry platform with high scalability.

P2P Networking and Applications

But it's also made the barriers of entry lower, and created a lot of competition.

The Guardian - Music

This lowers barriers of entry to the online gambling market for established names.

The Economist

The barriers of entry are either lowering or changing almost entirely.

Independent

"Digital has brought down the barriers of entry for [creating and showcasing] content, recommendation and discovery of products.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing market competitiveness or business strategy, use "barrier of entry" to highlight factors preventing new competitors from entering the market. For instance: "High capital investment represents a significant "barrier of entry" in the automotive industry."

Common error

Avoid using "barrier of entry" when you actually mean a company's competitive advantage. A "barrier of entry" hinders new companies from entering the market, whereas a competitive advantage helps an existing company succeed against its rivals. For example, instead of saying "Their strong brand is a barrier of entry", specify "Their strong brand provides a competitive advantage".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barrier of entry" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object within a sentence, describing something that impedes or prevents access or participation. Ludwig AI confirms this through its examples, showing the phrase used in various grammatical roles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "barrier of entry" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe obstacles that hinder access to a market, industry, or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across various contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media but also appears in formal business and scientific writing, suggesting a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, ensure you're referring to genuine obstacles preventing market entry and not simply describing a company's competitive advantage. Understanding the nuances of "barrier of entry" will enhance the precision and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Entry barrier

Reverses the order of the words, maintaining the core meaning.

Obstacle to entry

Replaces "barrier" with "obstacle", highlighting the difficulty.

Impediment to entry

Uses "impediment" to emphasize a hindrance to accessing something.

Threshold for entry

Focuses on a specific level or condition needed to enter.

Prerequisites for participation

Emphasizes required conditions or qualifications to be involved.

Requirements for joining

Highlights the necessary conditions to become a member or participant.

Conditions for access

Focuses on the stipulations needed to gain entry or use.

Challenges to market entry

Specifically addresses difficulties when entering a market.

Costs of starting

Highlights the financial aspects that may prevent someone to start something.

Difficulties in accessing

Focuses on the complexity associated with entry.

FAQs

How to use "barrier of entry" in a sentence?

You can use "barrier of entry" to describe obstacles that prevent new competitors from easily entering a market or industry. For example: "High startup costs create a significant "barrier of entry" for new businesses."

What can I say instead of "barrier of entry"?

You can use alternatives like "entry barrier", "obstacle to entry", or "impediment to entry" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "barrier of entry" or "entry barrier"?

Both "barrier of entry" and "entry barrier" are correct and commonly used. "Entry barrier" is a more concise version of "barrier of entry".

What makes a high "barrier of entry"?

Factors such as high capital costs, strong brand loyalty, government regulations, and access to distribution channels can all contribute to a high "barrier of entry". These make it difficult for new companies to compete effectively.