come up against obstacles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "come up against obstacles" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where someone faces challenges or difficulties while trying to achieve something. Example: "During the project, we came up against obstacles that delayed our progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The biopic, with a screenplay written by Aaron Sorkin (The Social Network), has already come up against obstacles after David Fincher pulled out of directing.

Independent

If I've come up against obstacles I've always found another way around it". Parish acknowledges that female artists are usually packaged differently to male artists but insists that Polly stands outside the norm.

The Guardian - Music

But in the near-term, before any real solutions can be enacted, young conservationists are likely to come up against obstacles — one might even say financial impossibilities — that make it difficult to stay the course.

The Guardian

All your life you will come up against obstacles and you have to find a way around them whatever they are, whether it's emotional or real.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But he continued his quest to expand within the building, and kept coming up against obstacles that he now says are evidence of discrimination.

The New York Times

Transcripts of that conversation, leaked to the Greek paper Kathimerini, show Varoufakis explaining that the secret cell had decided to hack government tax records after they came up against obstacles.

Independent

The PMI process typically comes up against obstacles related to capturing synergy, client disruption, structural integration, employee retention, loss of identity and/or independence, customer retention, emotional trauma, loss of status, and learning challenges.

Journal of Organization Design

We didn't see people coming up against obstacles, living through them and a fairy godmother (makes you realize how God-neutral those Grimm Brothers were, at least in their stories) coming to lend a hand.

HuffPost

Ruiz also came up against obstacles from the indigenous elites in Chamula who saw the formation of socially aware residents as a threat to their leadership, and their religious use of liquor.

Vice

So far, the company hasn't come up against any obstacles in this regard.

Vice

Iran may also try to hit Israel with its own ballistic missiles, though this would come up against the obstacle of Israel's missile defences, and could also spur a forthright American response.A regional conflagration cannot be ruled out.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "come up against obstacles", ensure that the context clearly indicates the nature and impact of the obstacles being faced. Providing specific examples strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences in a way that obscures who or what is encountering the obstacles. Instead of "Obstacles were come up against", use the active voice: "We came up against obstacles".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come up against obstacles" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the experience of encountering difficulties or challenges. It typically describes a situation where someone or something is hindered by problems. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "come up against obstacles" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe encountering difficulties or challenges. As Ludwig AI shows, it's readily found in diverse sources such as News & Media and Science. While appropriate for general use, more formal alternatives may suit academic writing. It is crucial to actively write sentences and avoid passive voice. When using this phrase, ensure that the context makes clear the nature and effects of the obstacles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encounter difficulties

Focuses on experiencing problems or hardships.

face challenges

Highlights confronting demanding tasks or situations.

meet with setbacks

Emphasizes experiencing delays or impediments.

run into problems

Suggests unexpectedly encountering difficulties.

confront barriers

Implies facing obstructions that hinder progress.

experience impediments

Highlights the feeling of being slowed or stopped by something.

grapple with issues

Indicates struggling to resolve complex problems.

tackle difficulties

Focuses on actively addressing challenging situations.

navigate hurdles

Suggests skillfully overcoming obstacles.

contend with adversity

Emphasizes dealing with unfavorable conditions or misfortune.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "come up against obstacles" to sound more formal?

In formal writing, you can replace "come up against obstacles" with phrases such as "encounter difficulties", "face challenges", or "meet with setbacks".

Is "come up against obstacles" a suitable phrase for academic writing?

Yes, "come up against obstacles" is suitable for academic writing, but ensure that the language remains clear and concise. More formal alternatives like "encounter difficulties" might be preferred depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "come up against obstacles" and "overcome obstacles"?

"Come up against obstacles" implies encountering challenges, while "overcome obstacles" suggests successfully resolving those challenges. The former describes a situation; the latter describes a successful action.

How do I use "come up against obstacles" effectively in a sentence?

Use "come up against obstacles" to describe situations where difficulties or challenges are encountered while pursuing a goal or project. For example: "During the project, we "come up against obstacles" that delayed our progress."