break through barriers

USAGE SUMMARY

'break through barriers' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that someone or something is overcoming obstacles and achieving success despite the challenges they face. For example: "She refused to be put down by her critics, and managed to break through barriers to become a successful entrepreneur."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

China must "venture along dangerous paths to break through barriers to reform".

The Economist

For a greater understanding and to break through barriers and social constructs, it's the only way I know.

The Guardian - Opinion

So Mr. Edwards's sculpture can be read as a metaphor for the struggle of black people to break through barriers that have kept them down in America.

The New York Times - Arts

The cloud — the use of substances to gain an extra edge, to break through barriers or to merely endure the day or relax and recover at night — lingered not over a particular sport, but over society.

The New York Times

The three men were charged with participating in an illegal street protest and with inciting protesters to break through barriers that had been set up around Independence Square here in the capital.

The New York Times

The British government's report on Iraq's weapons of mass destruction makes an explicit and extensive case that Saddam Hussein has been working to break through barriers that have constrained him from rebuilding his military and the deadly weaponry that he possessed a decade ago.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Shorelines are already prone to erosion during winter months, but this storm could wash away enough sand to cause new inlets to break through barrier beaches.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rock is about people breaking through barriers.

The New York Times

With BFR-free boards, we broke through barriers when some said it couldn't be done.

The Guardian

"Duncan Gay is a hero to Nationals for breaking through barriers.

The Guardian

Here, there is a tremendous optimism among colleagues that there will be a lot of breakthroughs during the next decade, that we are breaking through barriers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "break through barriers", ensure the context clearly defines what the barriers are and what the subject is trying to achieve. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "break through barriers" in overly generic or predictable situations. Instead, opt for more specific language that reflects the unique challenges being addressed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break through barriers" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used to describe the action of overcoming significant obstacles or limitations. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is valid and appropriate for written English. Examples show its use in various contexts, emphasizing the effort to surpass difficulties.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Huffington Post

28%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

The Guardian

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "break through barriers" is a grammatically correct and valid phrase for describing the action of overcoming obstacles to achieve progress. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is suitable for written English and sees use across various contexts, from News & Media to Science. While relatively uncommon, its impact lies in conveying resilience and achievement against significant challenges. When employing this phrase, consider specifying what those barriers are to amplify clarity and impact. For alternative expressions, "overcome obstacles" or "surmount challenges" offer similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overcome obstacles

This alternative focuses on the act of successfully dealing with difficulties.

surmount challenges

This alternative emphasizes the act of rising above difficult situations.

transcend limitations

This alternative highlights exceeding inherent restrictions or boundaries.

push past boundaries

This alternative focuses on exceeding established limits.

defy conventions

This alternative emphasizes challenging and going against accepted norms.

shatter stereotypes

This alternative highlights disproving widely held, often negative, beliefs.

scale new heights

This alternative uses a metaphor to describe achieving significant success.

achieve a breakthrough

This alternative shifts focus to the resulting advancement or discovery.

forge ahead

This alternative focuses on making progress despite difficulty.

make headway

This alternative is about advancing or making progress, especially when it's slow or difficult.

FAQs

How can I use "break through barriers" in a sentence?

You can use "break through barriers" to describe overcoming obstacles and achieving progress, such as: "The team worked tirelessly to "break through barriers" and launch the new product successfully."

What are some alternatives to "break through barriers"?

Alternatives include "overcome obstacles", "surmount challenges", or "transcend limitations", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "broken through barriers"?

Yes, "broken through barriers" is the past participle form and is grammatically correct when used in perfect tenses, such as: "She has "broken through barriers" to become the CEO."

What's the difference between "break through a barrier" and "break through barriers"?

"Break through a barrier" refers to overcoming a single, specific obstacle, while "break through barriers" implies overcoming multiple or systemic obstacles. The choice depends on whether you're addressing one specific challenge or a series of them.