but not without obstacles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but not without obstacles" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that while something is achievable, there are challenges or difficulties involved in the process. Example: "The project was completed successfully, but not without obstacles that tested the team's resolve."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Recognition of recovery and evaluating one's position within the recovery process was something, which was ongoing, but not without obstacles.

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This process was not without obstacles.

The New Yorker

Yet meeting this growing demand is not without obstacles.

The Guardian

The path to union was not without obstacles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Construction of the "bird," as it came to be known, was not without obstacles.

The New York Times

The international roll-out is not without obstacles for Google, however.

Independent

Considering the available information, phage therapy holds promise as an alternative treatment option, although the road ahead is not without obstacles.

Antibiotic Resistance Mechanisms and New Antimicrobial Approaches

Fasciotomy done in the operating room is not without obstacles due to issues related to availability of the operating theater, supporting staff (nurses, surgical technicians), anesthesia, and patient readiness for surgery [3, 9].

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

The process was not without obstacles, however.

Wikipedia

For many women, the adjustment to civilian life is not without obstacles.

Los Angeles Times

And prompting greater focus on gender diversity is not without obstacles.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but not without obstacles" to introduce a contrasting element, acknowledging difficulties while still highlighting achievement or progress.

Common error

Avoid using "but not without obstacles" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your phrasing to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not without obstacles" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a preceding clause. It indicates a concession, acknowledging that a situation or outcome, despite being positive or successful, involved challenges or difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

11%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but not without obstacles" is a grammatically correct and usable construction to indicate that something was achieved despite the presence of challenges. While Ludwig AI confirms it's acceptable, it's relatively rare in occurrence. It functions as an adverbial phrase, adding nuance to statements by acknowledging difficulties, and its register is neutral, making it suitable for various contexts. Alternatives include "albeit with challenges" or "though faced with difficulties".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

albeit with challenges

Replaces the conjunction and negative construction with a concise adverbial phrase.

though faced with difficulties

Emphasizes the presence of difficulties as a condition accompanying the main action.

not without its hurdles

Uses "hurdles" as a synonym for obstacles, adding a slightly different nuance.

yet it wasn't easy

Simplifies the structure to a more direct statement of difficulty.

however, it presented challenges

Rephrases to highlight the challenges as a significant aspect.

despite some setbacks

Focuses on setbacks as specific instances of difficulty encountered.

even with complications

Highlights the presence of complicating factors during the process.

though not a straightforward path

Implies difficulties by suggesting the path wasn't simple.

still, it required effort

Shifts focus to the effort expended due to the difficulties.

while facing adversity

Emphasizes facing adverse conditions during the process.

FAQs

How can I use "but not without obstacles" in a sentence?

You can use "but not without obstacles" to indicate that although something was achieved or is possible, there were difficulties along the way. For example, "The project was successful, but not without obstacles".

What are some alternatives to "but not without obstacles"?

Alternatives include "albeit with challenges", "though faced with difficulties", or "not without its hurdles".

Is it grammatically correct to say "but not without obstacles"?

Yes, "but not without obstacles" is grammatically correct. It's a common construction used to acknowledge challenges or difficulties within a situation.

What's the difference between "but not without obstacles" and "but not without setbacks"?

"But not without obstacles" generally refers to challenges or difficulties faced, whereas "but not without setbacks" focuses specifically on temporary delays or reversals in progress. Obstacles are more general; setbacks are specific instances.