constitute an obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

"constitute an obstacle" is a valid and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to create or be a hindrance or barrier to something. It can be used in any situation where there is an obstacle that is preventing or making something difficult to achieve. Example: The mountain range constituted a major obstacle for the hikers attempting to reach the summit. In this sentence, "constitute an obstacle" is used to describe the mountain range as being a barrier or hindrance for the hikers trying to reach their goal of reaching the summit.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

From now on, however, "banking secrecy will not constitute an obstacle to exchanging information".

The Economist

The massifs constitute an obstacle to traffic; roads and railroads traverse them by means of tunnels and viaducts, which are costly to build.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The tendency for crystal rearrangement was less pronounced in star polymers based on dendrimer or hyperbranched cores, suggesting that the dendritic cores constitute an obstacle to crystal rearrangement.

Polymer

It cites the EU's position that Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory are "illegal under international law, constitute an obstacle to peace and threaten to make a two-state solution impossible".

The Guardian

Thus, EUMC rules do not intrinsically constitute an obstacle to Member States' industrial policy, but it is the Commission's strict interpretation of these rules in response to Member State intervention in the EUMC process that has stood in the way.

Columbia University

"Banking secrecy will not constitute an obstacle to exchanging information," said the joint statement, which came at the end of the weekend visit to Singapore by the German finance minister, Wolfgang Schäuble.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

However designing cropping systems with reference to the cultivated plot constitutes an obstacle to innovation.

Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment

Results indicate that silica constitutes an obstacle for interfacial transfer reaction and becomes limiting factor for interfacial mass transfer.

Electrochimica Acta

This ambiguity has prevented reliable, consistent inferences from standard polymer rheology and constitutes an obstacle to further development.

Polymer

During classroom discussion, students and major league players discuss what constitutes an obstacle, from the smallest to the largest, and effective ways to face it.

The New York Times - Sports

Low efficiency of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) across cathode interfaces constitutes an obstacle to the bioelectricity generation in microbial fuel cells (MFCs).

Carbon

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "constitute an obstacle", ensure that the noun or situation it refers to genuinely hinders progress or creates a significant barrier. Provide clear context to illustrate how the obstacle affects the intended outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "constitute an obstacle" for minor inconveniences. Reserve this phrase for situations where the obstacle presents a substantial challenge or significantly impedes progress. Overusing it can dilute its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "constitute an obstacle" functions as a verb phrase that describes something as forming or being equivalent to a hindrance or impediment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to identify elements that significantly impede progress or achievement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "constitute an obstacle" is used to describe something that presents a significant impediment to progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts. Its usage spans across diverse fields, including science, news, and encyclopedias, indicating its versatility. When using this phrase, consider the impact and significance of the obstacle being described. For alternative phrasing, consider "present a barrier" or "pose a hindrance". This phrase, while not the most common, offers a precise way to convey a specific form of obstruction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

present a barrier

Replaces "constitute an obstacle" with a more direct expression, focusing on the aspect of blockage.

pose a hindrance

Substitutes "obstacle" with "hindrance", emphasizing the act of delaying or impeding.

form an impediment

Uses "impediment" as a synonym for "obstacle", indicating something that obstructs progress.

create a hurdle

Replaces "obstacle" with "hurdle", suggesting something that needs to be overcome.

be a stumbling block

Uses a more idiomatic expression to convey the idea of something that causes someone to trip or fail.

act as a deterrent

Focuses on the aspect of discouraging or preventing something from happening.

impede progress

Verbal phrase that directly states the action of hindering advancement.

obstruct the path

Uses a more figurative expression emphasizing the blocking of a route.

hinder advancement

Similar to "impede progress" but with a slightly different emphasis.

complicate matters

Shifts the focus to making things more complex rather than directly blocking them.

FAQs

How can I use "constitute an obstacle" in a sentence?

You can use "constitute an obstacle" to describe anything that hinders progress or presents a barrier. For example, "Lack of funding can "constitute an obstacle" to research efforts".

What are some alternatives to "constitute an obstacle"?

Alternatives include phrases like "present a barrier", "pose a hindrance", or "form an impediment". Each carries a slightly different nuance but conveys a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "constitutes an obstacle" or "is an obstacle"?

"Constitute an obstacle" is more formal and emphasizes the creation or presence of a significant impediment. "Is an obstacle" is simpler and more direct, suitable for less formal contexts.

What's the difference between "constitute an obstacle" and "represent an obstacle"?

"Constitute an obstacle" implies that something fundamentally creates or forms the obstacle, while "represent an obstacle" suggests that something symbolizes or embodies the obstacle without necessarily creating it directly.