big obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "big obstacle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant challenge or barrier that hinders progress or achievement. Example: "The lack of funding was a big obstacle to the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But Russia will be a big obstacle.

The Economist

The big obstacle would be agriculture.

The New York Times

A big obstacle, of course, is degraded, ice-damaged DNA".

Independent

Money will be the big obstacle, of course.

The New York Times

Lee's asking price may also be a big obstacle.

The New York Times - Sports

The bureaucracy of different government layers was another big obstacle.

The Guardian

Privacy concerns are another big obstacle, as both companies acknowledge.

The New York Times - Tech

One big obstacle may be the yoga community itself.

The New York Times

Not so fast, there's one big obstacle left.

The Guardian - Tech

So, as an organization, that's a big obstacle.

The New Yorker

A big obstacle is the difficulty of disentangling cause and effect.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "big obstacle", consider whether a more specific term would provide greater clarity. For example, instead of saying "Lack of funding was a big obstacle", you could say "Lack of funding was a significant financial constraint."

Common error

While "big obstacle" is perfectly acceptable, overuse can make writing sound less sophisticated. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "significant challenge" or "major impediment" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big obstacle" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object within a sentence. It identifies something that impedes progress or achievement. As Ludwig shows, this phrase is versatile and correct in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "big obstacle" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for denoting a significant challenge. As confirmed by Ludwig, its versatility allows it to fit seamlessly into various contexts, primarily appearing in news, scientific, and business domains. While effective, writers should consider synonyms for enhanced precision and sophistication. Common errors involve overuse in formal settings where more specific vocabulary might be more appropriate. Alternatives such as "major hurdle" or "significant barrier" can offer greater nuance. Understanding its function and communicative purpose, and avoiding overuse, ensures effective and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major impediment

Replaces "obstacle" with "impediment", emphasizing a hindrance or obstruction.

significant hurdle

Substitutes "obstacle" with "hurdle", suggesting a challenge that needs to be overcome.

key challenge

Focuses on the challenging aspect, highlighting the difficulty involved.

formidable barrier

Replaces "big" with "formidable" and "obstacle" with "barrier", emphasizing the strength and difficulty of overcoming the obstacle.

major stumbling block

Uses a more figurative expression to describe something that causes one to trip or falter.

primary difficulty

Highlights the main source of trouble or resistance.

considerable constraint

Focuses on the limiting aspect of the obstacle, suggesting a restriction or limitation.

chief impediment

Similar to "major impediment" but uses "chief" to emphasize the primary nature of the obstacle.

substantial challenge

Similar to "key challenge" but uses "substantial" to emphasize the size or significance of the challenge.

critical issue

Shifts the focus to the problematic nature of the situation, highlighting its importance.

FAQs

How can I use "big obstacle" in a sentence?

The phrase "big obstacle" is used to describe a significant challenge or impediment. For example: "The bureaucracy was a "big obstacle" to the project's timely completion."

What are some alternatives to "big obstacle"?

You can use alternatives such as "major hurdle", "significant barrier", or "key challenge" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "big obstacle"?

Yes, the phrase "big obstacle" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written and spoken English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

What makes "big obstacle" different from "small obstacle"?

"Big obstacle" implies a more substantial and difficult challenge compared to a "small obstacle", which suggests a minor or easily overcome issue.