create a blockage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "create a blockage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is obstructed or prevented from passing through, such as in medical, environmental, or logistical discussions. Example: "The heavy rainfall can create a blockage in the drainage system, leading to flooding in the streets."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

This helps prevent the hyperkeratinization of these cells that can create a blockage.

Wikipedia

Palmitoylated caveolins by GPI-anchor proteins are needed to create a blockage in the cAMP-to-adenosine conversion associated with lipid droplet hydrolysis.

Bioinformatics and Biology Insights

However, not all birds need this grit, and if they eat too much, it can create a blockage.[1] Finches and canaries tend to find a little grit necessary, but don't give it to budgies, cockatiels or parrots.[1].

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"This sharp hazardous material can kill them directly, either by puncturing their digestive tract as it goes down or by creating a blockage so that they can't eat or excrete," Finkelstein told me.

The New Yorker

A clot forms around the loose gunk, creating a blockage that starves the heart of oxygen, killing part of it.

Forbes

Some worms can create an obstruction (or blockage) in your intestines.

WikiHow

Worms that can cause obstructions in the intestine include Some worms can create an obstruction (or blockage) in your intestines.

WikiHow

"The theoretical risk in eating large amounts of gum is that it could create an intestinal blockage".

Vice

When humans suffer a cut, our blood coagulates into a gel, attempting to create a semi-solid blockage so that we don't lose more blood than necessary.

Huffington Post

The reigning theory was that part of her tumor had broken off and either ruptured her pulmonary artery or created a huge blockage in her heart.

The New York Times - Health

But the clearing of the bottleneck in Cushing has released a surge of light crude to the Gulf Coast, creating a new blockage, according to Michele Della Vigna, of Goldman Sachs, a bank.Gulf refineries are using as much light and sweet American crude as they can, but most are designed to process heavier, more sulphurous grades from the Middle East and Africa.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing medical conditions or physical processes, use "create a blockage" to clearly indicate an obstruction that prevents normal flow or function.

Common error

Avoid using "create a blockage" metaphorically when discussing abstract concepts like communication or progress, as it may sound too literal or awkward. Opt for more nuanced terms like "impede", "hinder", or "obstruct" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "create a blockage" functions as a verb phrase where "create" is the verb and "a blockage" is the noun phrase acting as the direct object. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in English. The snippets reveal its use in different fields, covering both literal and figurative meanings.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "create a blockage" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes the act of causing an obstruction. As Ludwig AI points out, its application spans various contexts, from medical and environmental to logistical scenarios. While the phrase is acceptable in most cases, it’s best to avoid overuse in highly abstract contexts where more nuanced alternatives like "impede progress" might be more appropriate. Given its relative infrequency, consider stronger, more descriptive alternatives to emphasize your message when other options exist. The top sources illustrating this phrase are Wikipedia, Bioinformatics and Biology Insights, and WikiHow.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause an obstruction

Replaces "create" with "cause" and "blockage" with "obstruction", focusing on the act of impeding progress or flow.

form a barrier

Emphasizes the physical creation of something that prevents movement or passage.

generate an impediment

Uses more formal language to describe the creation of something that hinders progress.

establish an obstacle

Highlights the setting up of something that stands in the way.

precipitate a jam

Suggests causing a state of congestion or standstill.

induce a congestion

Implies bringing about a state of overcrowding or blockage.

foster an impediment

Conveys the idea of promoting or encouraging the formation of something that hinders.

trigger a bottleneck

Focuses on causing a point of congestion that slows down a process.

set up an obstacle

Underscores the deliberate placement of something that hinders progress.

spawn a barricade

Describes the sudden creation of a barrier, often in a defensive context.

FAQs

What does it mean to "create a blockage" in a medical context?

In medicine, to "create a blockage" refers to causing an obstruction in a vessel, duct, or organ, preventing normal flow or function. For example, a blood clot can "create a blockage" in an artery.

What are some synonyms for "create a blockage"?

Synonyms for "create a blockage" include "cause an obstruction", "form a barrier", and "generate an impediment". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How can I avoid unintentionally "creating a blockage" in my plumbing?

To prevent inadvertently "creating a blockage" in your plumbing, avoid flushing items like paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and excessive amounts of grease down the toilet or drain. These materials can "cause an obstruction" in the pipes.

Is it appropriate to use "create a blockage" metaphorically?

While "create a blockage" is often used in literal contexts, it can be used metaphorically to describe something that hinders progress or communication. However, be mindful of the audience and context, as it may sound awkward in some situations. Alternatives like "impede progress" or "hinder communication" may be more suitable.