barriers to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "barriers to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe obstacles or hindrances that prevent progress or access to something. Example: "There are several barriers to effective communication in a multicultural environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It removes barriers to crowdfunding.

The Economist

This increases barriers to switching.

The Economist

Plenty of barriers to trade remain.

The Economist

"The barriers to entry were too high.

Independent

Liberalised markets mean few barriers to entry.

The Economist

creates significant barriers to civil society participation.

The New York Times

But barriers to entry are low.

The Economist

No. 2: "Create barriers to exit partnership".

The New York Times

And barriers to entry are high.

The Economist

"There were huge barriers to entry".

The New Yorker

And there are formidable barriers to trade.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about overcoming challenges, use "barriers to" to specifically highlight obstacles that need to be addressed to achieve a goal.

Common error

Avoid using "barriers to" repeatedly in the same paragraph. Vary your language by using synonyms like "obstacles to", "impediments to", or "hindrances to" to make your writing more engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barriers to" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun by specifying obstacles or hindrances related to that noun. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "barriers to" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe obstacles or hindrances. As Ludwig AI indicates, its primary function is to identify factors impeding progress across various contexts. Usage spans from formal business and scientific discourse to neutral news reporting. While versatile, synonyms like "obstacles to" or "impediments to" can add nuance. Remember to avoid overuse and be specific about the nature of the obstacles you're describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obstacles to

Direct synonym, focuses on things that stand in the way.

impediments to

A more formal synonym, implying something that delays or prevents progress.

hindrances to

Similar to 'impediments', suggests something that makes it more difficult to do something.

roadblocks to

Emphasizes the idea of something completely blocking progress.

challenges for

Broader term, focuses on difficulties that need to be overcome.

difficulties in

Highlights the problems encountered when trying to do something.

obstacles in the way of

More descriptive, highlighting the physical or metaphorical presence of obstacles.

constraints on

Focuses on limitations or restrictions.

limitations on

Similar to 'constraints', emphasizes restrictions on scope or extent.

deterrents to

Highlights factors that discourage or prevent action.

FAQs

How can I use "barriers to" in a sentence?

"Barriers to" is used to describe obstacles or hindrances that prevent progress or access. For example: "There are significant "barriers to entry" in the tech industry."

What are some common synonyms for "barriers to"?

Common synonyms include "obstacles to", "impediments to", and "hindrances to". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "barriers to"?

Yes, "barriers to" is a grammatically correct and widely accepted phrase in English. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

What is the difference between "barriers to" and "challenges of"?

"Barriers to" specifically refers to obstacles that prevent progress or access, while "challenges of" refers to difficult situations or problems that need to be addressed. "Challenges of" is a broader term that doesn't necessarily imply something is completely blocked.