create a barrier

USAGE SUMMARY

"create a barrier" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of setting up any type of obstacle, real or figurative, between two or more things. For example: "The farm set up a fence to create a barrier between their fields and the highway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Two, create a barrier.

The New York Times

It can create a barrier.

The Guardian

Dimethicone is a common ingredient in moisturizers that helps create a barrier for the skin.

The New York Times

"But it doesn't create a barrier for you to look elsewhere".

The New York Times - Tech

It isn't a cure for child abuse, but it does create a barrier to stop past offenders working with kids.

The Guardian - Books

"The grasses create a barrier like an exotic fence behind which we have a perennial flower garden.

The New York Times

As I was saying, Daesh and its like try to create a barrier to prevent people from engaging with scholars.

The Guardian

The same could be said for those with disabilities that prevent them from easily getting out and meeting people or that create a barrier between them and others.

The Guardian

Musicians sometimes create a barrier and protect themselves from the audience - they just play with no joy, no pleasure, no connection.

The Guardian - Music

The Fourth Amendment's ban on unreasonable searches was crafted by the Constitution's framers to create a barrier against government intrusions on Americans' privacy.

The New York Times

According to the manufacturer's website, Ultra-Ever Dry uses nanotechnology to coat an object and "create a barrier of air on its surface".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "create a barrier" in technical writing, specify the type of barrier (physical, digital, regulatory) and its intended effect for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "create a barrier" too figuratively without a clear, concrete connection to the idea of separation or obstruction. Overusing it can dilute the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "create a barrier" functions as a verb phrase, where "create" is the verb indicating the action of establishing something, and "a barrier" serves as the direct object, specifying what is being created. Ludwig AI shows examples where it's used to describe the formation of both physical and abstract impediments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "create a barrier" is a versatile phrase commonly used to describe the establishment of an obstacle, whether physical or abstract. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently appears in diverse contexts, including news, scientific literature, and formal business communications. While generally neutral, it can convey both positive and negative implications depending on the context. It is important to choose specific and descriptive language when detailing the type of barrier and its intended effect. Overall, "create a barrier" is a valuable phrase in the English language, offering a clear and concise way to express the concept of obstruction or separation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish a blockade

Focuses on physically preventing passage or access.

lay down an obstacle

Focuses on intentionally creating a hindrance.

put up a barricade

Suggests a temporary or makeshift barrier.

form an obstruction

Highlights the act of impeding or blocking something.

erect a partition

Refers to constructing a dividing structure.

set up a defense

Implies a protective measure against an attack or intrusion.

build a wall

Implies a more permanent and substantial barrier.

institute a safeguard

Emphasizes the implementation of measures for protection or security.

impose a restriction

Highlights the act of limiting or controlling access or actions.

foster a demarcation

Emphasizes the process of clearly defining a boundary or separation.

FAQs

How can I use "create a barrier" in a sentence?

You can use "create a barrier" to describe both physical and abstract obstacles. For instance, "The new law will "create a barrier" to foreign investment" or "The fence "creates a barrier" against intruders".

What are some alternatives to "create a barrier"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "create a barrier" include "establish a blockade", "form an obstruction", or "impose a restriction".

Is it better to say "create a barrier" or "build a barrier"?

Both "create a barrier" and "build a barrier" are correct, but "build a barrier" often implies a physical construction, while "create a barrier" can be used more broadly for abstract or non-physical obstacles.

Can "create a barrier" be used in a positive sense?

While "create a barrier" often has negative connotations, it can be used positively when referring to protective measures. For example, "The new security system will "create a barrier" against cyberattacks".