build a barrier

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "build a barrier" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the creation of a physical or metaphorical obstacle to prevent access or to protect something. Example: "To ensure the safety of the wildlife, the park rangers decided to build a barrier around the nesting area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Tactics used to hurt New Life include banning porta-potties, thus making a homeless person more likely to be arrested for public urination, and requiring Rice to build a barrier around the building.

The Guardian

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said Macedonia had begun to build a barrier along its southern border with Greece.

The Guardian

Business groups, often supported by the Bush administration, have vigorously pursued pre-emption arguments, hoping to build a barrier against many kinds of injury suits.

The New York Times

The corps plans to study whether to build a barrier along the waterfront and pump out the water that gets behind that wall.

The New York Times

A11 Israel Proceeds With Barrier Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's government is expected to approve a plan over American opposition to build a barrier deep inside the West Bank around a large Jewish settlement, Israeli officials said.

The New York Times

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's government is expected to approve a plan, over American opposition, to build a barrier deep inside the West Bank around a large Jewish settlement, Israeli officials said Tuesday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

He built a barrier between them and, leaving one side as a control, used the other to gauge the effects of water chemistry on aquatic life.

The New York Times

In the days when Germany was divided, East Germany built a barrier of fences, watch towers and minefields to keep its people from crossing over to the west.

The New York Times

London built a barrier in the 1980s to save it from the floods that occasionally saturated parts of the city when high tides and storms coincided.

The Economist

The Chinese had built a barrier stretching seven miles across the water to ensure that the only boats in and around the sailing events were those meant to be there, and when the British police officer asked what they would do if the barrier were breached, they smiled and said it wouldn't be.

Independent

While the Philippines complied and withdrew, China continued its presence at the shoal and built a barrier to the shoal's entrance in July 2012.

Bandung: Journal of the Global South

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "build a barrier", consider whether a physical or metaphorical barrier is intended, and choose wording that clarifies the specific type of barrier being created for better understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "build a barrier" when a less permanent solution is more appropriate. For instance, using it for a temporary solution might be an overstatement; consider alternatives like "set up a temporary screen" or "establish a short-term buffer" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "build a barrier" functions primarily as a verb phrase acting as a predicate, describing the action of creating something that obstructs or protects. This is consistent with Ludwig's examples showing construction of both physical and metaphorical barriers.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "build a barrier" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes the act of creating an obstruction or safeguard. According to Ludwig, its usage spans from physical constructions like walls to metaphorical defenses. The phrase is suitable for neutral contexts, particularly in news, science, and general discourse. When choosing this phrase, consider the type of barrier and adjust wording for clarity. Alternatives like "construct an obstacle" or "establish a defense" may be more appropriate depending on the level of formality or the specific intention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

construct an obstacle

Emphasizes the act of creating an obstruction but is more formal.

erect a blockade

Implies a more forceful or official type of barrier, often for strategic purposes.

establish a defense

Focuses on the protective aspect of the barrier.

form a barricade

Suggests a temporary or improvised barrier.

put up a wall

A more literal reference to a physical barrier, often implying division.

institute a safeguard

Refers to establishing protective measures that act as a barrier to harm.

set up a screen

Suggests filtering or blocking something from view or access.

create a buffer

Indicates creating a space or entity that reduces impact or friction.

develop a shield

Implies creating protection, often from external threats.

lay down a line of defense

Signifies establishing a strategic barrier for protection.

FAQs

How can I use "build a barrier" in a sentence?

You can use "build a barrier" when describing the construction of something that prevents access or provides protection, such as "The city decided to build a barrier to prevent flooding" or "The company needed to build a barrier against potential lawsuits".

What can I say instead of "build a barrier"?

You can use alternatives like "construct an obstacle", "erect a blockade", or "establish a defense" depending on the context.

Is "build a barrier" formal or informal?

"Build a barrier" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal settings might prefer "establish a defense" or "construct an obstacle".

What's the difference between "build a barrier" and "put up a wall"?

"Build a barrier" is a more general term for creating an obstruction, while "put up a wall" often implies a more significant, physical, and potentially divisive barrier.