barrier to access

USAGE SUMMARY

'barrier to access' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something that makes it difficult to obtain or use something. For example, "The cost of the course created a barrier to access for many low-income students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Two things need to happen so that cost will not be a barrier to access.

The Guardian

"We object to their premise that intellectual property rights are a barrier to access to good medicine," she said.

The New York Times

"This gives us the comfort that we can have this requirement and not have it be a barrier to access," Dr. Haden said.

The New York Times - Tech

Meanwhile a report from the charity Scope, found two-thirds of polling stations had at least one significant barrier to access.

The Guardian

Research from the US – where applications for university finance are notoriously lengthy – shows how complex forms can indeed be a barrier to access.

The Guardian

Solar energy provides a cheaper and safer alternative to diesel generators, kerosene lamps and old batteries, but a key barrier to access is cash.

The Guardian

"The... fees are a significant barrier to access to justice and are preventing employees from being able to complain about contraventions of their employment rights.

The Guardian

The legal aid application process is, said Munby, a "barrier to access to public funding" for people who lacked mental capacity.

The Guardian

"The access to PET probes has been a huge barrier to access," Phelps says.

Science Magazine

In some cases, governments, through monopoly gas companies, could create a barrier to access this market.

Chemistry Central Journal

He sees this as removing a barrier to access and says the free version is actually pretty sophisticated.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing systemic issues, use "barrier to access" to highlight factors preventing equitable opportunity. For example, "Lack of public transportation creates a significant "barrier to access" for low-income residents".

Common error

While "barrier to access" is appropriate in formal and professional settings, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Simpler terms like "obstacle" or "difficulty" may be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barrier to access" functions as a noun phrase that identifies something preventing or hindering someone from obtaining or using something. As Ludwig AI states, it's a correct and usable phrase. Examples from Ludwig show it used in contexts ranging from healthcare to education.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "barrier to access" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe obstacles preventing access to something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely applicable. It is frequently found in scientific, news, and formal business contexts, signaling a neutral to professional register. When writing, use it to clearly highlight systemic issues, but avoid overuse in casual settings where simpler terms might be more fitting. Alternatives such as "impediment to entry" or "obstacle to participation" can add nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limitation on admittance

Focuses specifically on restricting entry or acceptance.

impediment to entry

Focuses on the act of entering something, emphasizing the obstruction itself.

difficulty in obtaining

Highlights the struggle involved in acquiring something.

obstacle to participation

Highlights the prevention of taking part in an activity or event.

deterrent to attainment

Emphasizes discouragement in accomplishing a goal.

hindrance to utilization

Emphasizes difficulty in making use of something available.

restriction on acquisition

Focuses on obstacles to gaining possession of something.

constraint on availability

Highlights restrictions affecting the quality of being available for use or disposal.

roadblock to procurement

Highlights something that stops progress in the act of obtaining something.

challenge to securement

Emphasizes that the process of getting something requires efforts to overcome difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "barrier to access" in a sentence?

Use "barrier to access" when referring to something that prevents or hinders someone from obtaining or using something. For example, "The high cost of textbooks is a significant "barrier to access" for many students".

What are some alternatives to "barrier to access"?

You can use alternatives such as "impediment to entry", "obstacle to participation", or "hindrance to utilization" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "barriers of access" instead of "barrier to access"?

While "barriers of access" might seem logical, "barrier to access" is the more common and grammatically accepted phrasing. Using "barrier to access" ensures clarity and aligns with standard English usage.

What kind of issues does "barrier to access" often refer to?

The phrase "barrier to access" is often used when talking about financial issues, physical limitations, or discrimination. These issues hinder individuals from accessing things like education, healthcare, and justice.