common obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "common obstacle" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use the phrase "common obstacle" when discussing a challenge or difficulty that is frequently encountered by many people. For example: - "One of the most common obstacles faced by entrepreneurs is securing enough funding to start their business." - "Lack of communication is a common obstacle in many relationships." - "The language barrier is a common obstacle for international students studying in a foreign country."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Their common obstacle is the language they cannot understand.

The New York Times - Books

The plane was flying towards a large storm system, a common obstacle on that route.

The Guardian

Metastability is a common obstacle to performing long molecular dynamics simulations.

Journal of Computational Physics

A common obstacle for female leaders is that they often lack the presumption of competence accorded to their male peers.

Harvard Business Review

However, unspecific background binding, for instance binding of non-target antibodies, is a common obstacle in such immunoassays.

Journal of Immunological Methods

A common obstacle in using such models is how to determine the values of the model parameters.

Science of The Total Environment

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

What are common obstacles in resolving conflicts?

The New York Times

But bewildering bureaucracies, and a lack of sustained legal help, are common obstacles.

The New York Times

Too many initiatives are stymied by a set of common obstacles.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

You may run into unexpected situations while networking, here are some ways to overcome common obstacles.

Columbia University

Finally, quantitative model comparisons should be used, but must consider common obstacles.

Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "common obstacle", ensure the context clearly identifies who is facing the obstacle. Be specific about the affected group to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "common obstacle" when the difficulty is specific to a niche group. Ensure the obstacle genuinely affects a broad population or situation to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common obstacle" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig highlights, it describes a problem frequently encountered. For example, "Lack of funding is a common obstacle."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

34%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "common obstacle" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to identify and categorize recurring difficulties across numerous fields. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse contexts including science, news and media, and academia. While widely applicable, remember to ensure its scope accurately reflects the pervasiveness of the problem. As Ludwig's examples demonstrate, the phrase helps to acknowledge shared challenges, setting the stage for problem-solving and strategic action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frequent hurdle

Emphasizes the repetitiveness of the challenge.

prevailing impediment

Highlights the widespread nature and hindering effect.

widespread challenge

Focuses on the broad occurrence of the difficulty.

typical difficulty

Indicates a standard or expected problem.

recurring issue

Stresses the repetitive nature of the problem.

shared adversity

Highlights the collective experience of facing a difficulty.

universal problem

Emphasizes that the problem affects everyone.

familiar pitfall

Conveys a sense of well-known danger or mistake.

standard setback

Indicates a normal or expected delay or problem.

general stumbling block

Highlights a widespread impediment to progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "common obstacle" to describe a difficulty encountered by many. For example, "A "common obstacle" for students is managing their time effectively."

What's a good alternative to "common obstacle"?

Alternatives include "frequent hurdle", "widespread challenge", or "typical difficulty", depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

Is it redundant to say "very common obstacle"?

While not grammatically incorrect, saying "very common obstacle" can be redundant. "Common obstacle" already implies frequency, so adding "very" might not add significant value. Consider using a more precise adjective if needed.

What makes something qualify as a "common obstacle"?

For something to be a "common obstacle", it must be a difficulty or challenge that is experienced by a significant number of people or entities within a specific context. The more widespread the difficulty, the more appropriate the phrase becomes.