considerable obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'considerable obstacle' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an obstacle (typically a problem or difficulty) that is significant or noteworthy. For example, "She had to overcome a considerable obstacle when she navigated the complex paperwork for her visa application."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

This level is considerably higher than is found in oral contraceptives, and this is a considerable obstacle that must be overcome when considering treatment of very young women.

Breast Cancer Research

Family disagreements, she said, are a considerable obstacle.

The New York Times

After beating Canada Sampson even made a passing reference to Sir Alf Ramsey and 1966 but Japan will present a considerable obstacle.

The Guardian - Sport

That is a considerable obstacle, given that it was the upper house that posed the real challenge in terms of governability.

The Guardian

Prior to this year, the conventional wisdom would have been that a black GOP presidential candidate would have received a racial backlash from inside the Republican party, and that race would have been a considerable obstacle to winning the nomination.

The Guardian

This remains a fiercely Democratic state, and Ms. Lingle, as she acknowledged in an interview, will have to overcome the considerable obstacle of having Mr. Obama, who was born in Honolulu, at the top of the ticket.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

OnLive faces considerable obstacles.

The New York Times - Tech

Yet there are considerable obstacles.

The New York Times

But they face considerable obstacles.

The New York Times

But CNN still faces some considerable obstacles.

The New York Times

Still, there are considerable obstacles to a protracted nominating battle.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "considerable obstacle", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being obstructed and why the obstacle is significant. Provide specific details to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "considerable obstacle" for minor inconveniences. This phrase should be reserved for genuinely impactful barriers to maintain credibility and prevent hyperbole.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "considerable obstacle" functions as a noun phrase, where "considerable" modifies the noun "obstacle". As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically correct and commonly used. It typically serves to identify and emphasize a significant impediment or challenge.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "considerable obstacle" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a significant impediment or challenge. Ludwig AI validates its usability in written English. It appears frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the obstacle and its importance. Consider alternatives like "significant impediment" or "major roadblock" for slight variations in meaning. Avoid overusing the phrase for minor issues to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant impediment

Replaces "obstacle" with "impediment" and "considerable" with "significant", indicating a notable hindrance.

major roadblock

Uses the metaphor "roadblock" to represent an obstacle, emphasizing its obstructive nature and replacing "considerable" with "major" indicating great importance.

substantial challenge

Replaces "obstacle" with "challenge", framing the difficulty as something to be overcome, and "considerable" with "substantial", specifying the amount.

serious difficulty

Uses "difficulty" instead of "obstacle", focusing on the problematic aspect, and "serious" instead of "considerable", emphasizing the severity.

notable hurdle

Replaces "obstacle" with "hurdle", implying something to be jumped over, and "considerable" with "notable", indicating it is worthy of attention.

formidable barrier

Uses "barrier" instead of "obstacle", suggesting a physical or metaphorical obstruction, and "formidable" instead of "considerable", indicating something that inspires fear or respect.

tough challenge

Replaces "obstacle" with "challenge", framing the difficulty as something to be overcome, and "considerable" with "tough", signaling difficulty.

difficult problem

Employs "problem" instead of "obstacle", focusing on the issue needing resolution, and replaces "considerable" with "difficult", emphasizing the struggle involved.

onerous task

Substitutes "obstacle" with "task", highlighting the work involved, and replaces "considerable" with "onerous", emphasizing the burden.

daunting prospect

Replaces "obstacle" with "prospect", focusing on a future possibility causing apprehension, and "considerable" with "daunting", signifying something intimidating.

FAQs

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

You can use "considerable obstacle" to describe something that significantly hinders progress or achievement. For example, "The lack of funding proved to be a "considerable obstacle" to the project's success."

What are some alternatives to "considerable obstacle"?

Alternatives include "significant impediment", "major roadblock", or "substantial challenge". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "considerable obstacle" or "significant obstacle"?

Both "considerable obstacle" and "significant obstacle" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on personal preference and the context of the sentence.

Can "considerable obstacle" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "considerable obstacle" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to describe a significant barrier or challenge. You can also opt for "formidable barrier" if you need a more formal and nuanced expression.