create a roadblock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "create a roadblock" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an obstacle or hindrance that prevents progress or action in a situation. Example: "The new regulations will create a roadblock for small businesses trying to expand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

As the man ran, police stretched yellow crime-scene tape across the corner of 37th Street and Seventh Avenue, hoping to create a roadblock, Mr. Nogver said.

The New York Times

As long as their apology was sincere, don't create a roadblock by critiquing how they did it.

Huffington Post

Why would they create a roadblock to completing the purchase by sending me to Facebook instead of their site?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The two government soldiers were killed mid-morning Tuesday when gunmen created a roadblock and stopped travelers on a remote road in northern Kandahar, on the way to Oruzgan Province.

The New York Times

To protest UAL's decision and show solidarity with their peers, more than 100 students gathered outside the Royal Courts on Tuesday, causing gridlock for central London drivers by marching to UAL's Holborn offices and creating a roadblock, before marching back to Central Saint Martins.

The Guardian

(Mobile apps generally make a point of not creating a roadblock like this).

Vice

Two youth from the crowd crouch down on the track, creating a roadblock.

Huffington Post

This could have been caused by methylation of a protein with susceptibility to MMS at high doses that was degraded in response to its alkylation by MMS effectively creating a roadblock in the DNA-damage response.

BMC Genomics

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.04970.016 These observations suggest bridged H-NS may constrain ECs within a topologically closed domain that could promote pausing (see 'Discussion') but do not rule out the possibility that bridged H-NS binds DNA tighter than in linear H-NS filaments to create a stronger roadblock to transcript elongation.

eLife

Wherever the two sides wind up with the percentage of local revenue to be shared, the different methods of distribution will create an imposing roadblock to a settlement.

The New York Times - Sports

The investigation, which was first reported by Reuters, creates a potential roadblock to that expansion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "create a roadblock" in your writing, ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being blocked and what the consequences of that blockage are. This will add clarity and impact to your message.

Common error

While "create a roadblock" is a valid phrase, avoid using it too frequently in informal or casual writing. Simpler alternatives like "hinder" or "obstruct" might be more appropriate and sound less forced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "create a roadblock" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of establishing an obstacle that hinders progress or prevents something from happening. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is considered correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "create a roadblock" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase that signifies the act of obstructing progress or establishing an impediment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. While its frequency is uncommon, the phrase appears across various contexts including news, science, and business. To enhance clarity, it's best to use this phrase in contexts where the nature and consequences of the blockage are well-defined. Remember to use it judiciously in informal contexts, as simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish an obstacle

Focuses on the act of setting up something that impedes progress.

set up a barrier

Emphasizes the creation of a physical or metaphorical barrier.

hinder progress

Highlights the effect of slowing down or stopping advancement.

obstruct the path

Implies blocking a route or course of action.

impede advancement

Similar to hindering progress, but with a slightly more formal tone.

throw up a hurdle

Suggests creating a challenge that must be overcome.

generate an impediment

Focuses on the creation of something that delays or prevents action.

form an obstruction

Implies creating something that physically or metaphorically blocks the way.

lay a snare

Suggests creating a trap or difficulty designed to catch someone.

put a spoke in the wheel

Implies sabotaging a plan or activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "create a roadblock" to describe actions that obstruct progress or create difficulties. For instance, "The new regulations will "create a roadblock" for small businesses."

What can I say instead of "create a roadblock"?

You can use alternatives like "establish an obstacle", "set up a barrier", or "hinder progress" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "create a roadblock" or "put a spoke in the wheel"?

The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. "Create a roadblock" generally means to obstruct progress, while "put a spoke in the wheel" implies sabotaging a plan.

In what contexts is "create a roadblock" most appropriate?

"Create a roadblock" is suitable for describing actions that intentionally or unintentionally hinder advancement. It is commonly used in news, business, and academic writing.