create an obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "create an obstacle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing actions or situations that hinder progress or make tasks more difficult. Example: "The new regulations may create an obstacle for small businesses trying to expand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"They create an obstacle to national unification.

The New York Times

Felled cypress and sweet gum trees create an obstacle course.

The New York Times - Travel

At times, little children create an obstacle course, he said.

The New York Times

Unopened cardboard boxes full of merchandise create an obstacle course on the floor.

The New York Times

How does the death penalty create an obstacle to the "right to a trial by a jury of one's peers," according to the article?

The New York Times

Most of the time today, however, foreigners are noticed only to the extent that they provide an opportunity for, or create an obstacle to, a business deal some Chinese dreamer has in his or her sights.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

At one point, he said that "it creates an obstacle to people communicating".

The New Yorker

Since Lerici has no train station — a challenge for the Nutella-and-hostel backpacker crowd — most tourists arrive by car, though this, too, has created an obstacle.

The New York Times - Travel

The three memorials, and a flagpole, created an obstacle course for outfielders when the rare ball in play ended up rattling around out there.

The New York Times - Sports

Turns out, though, that the Reverend was too fond of Mrs. Warren in her youth, and this creates an obstacle for the would-be lovers.

The New Yorker

Although Bolivia has its own customs officials and storage in Arica and Antofagasta, it complains that Chile has created an obstacle course for exporters.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "create an obstacle", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being hindered or made difficult. For example, "Excessive regulation can create an obstacle to innovation."

Common error

Avoid using "create an obstacle" without specifying what the obstacle consists of. Instead of saying "Poor communication creates an obstacle", be specific: "Poor communication creates an obstacle to project completion."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "create an obstacle" functions as a verb phrase. It signifies the action of causing or bringing about something that hinders progress or achievement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "create an obstacle" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes the act of causing or establishing a hindrance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and appears in a wide range of contexts, including news, scientific literature, and general writing. While it's generally neutral in register, it's crucial to provide specific context regarding the nature of the obstacle to ensure clarity and avoid vagueness. Related phrases like "present a barrier" or "pose a challenge" can offer alternative ways to express similar concepts, each with slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

present a barrier

Focuses on the barrier aspect, implying something that blocks movement or progress.

pose a challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty or demanding nature of a situation.

form an impediment

Highlights the obstructive nature of the issue, acting as a hindrance.

erect a hurdle

Suggests a barrier that must be overcome, often in a competitive context.

set a roadblock

Implies a deliberate act of obstruction, often in negotiations or plans.

establish a snag

Highlights an unexpected or hidden difficulty.

induce a complication

Focuses on the act of making something more complex or difficult.

generate a difficulty

Highlights the production or origination of a problem.

occasion a problem

Emphasizes that something causes a problem.

contribute to a setback

Focuses on the aspect of causing a delay or regression.

FAQs

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

You can use "create an obstacle" to describe something that hinders progress or makes a task more difficult. For example: "Lack of funding can "create an obstacle" to research."

What are some alternatives to "create an obstacle"?

Some alternatives include "present a barrier", "pose a challenge", or "form an impediment". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "create an obstacle" or "present an obstacle"?

Both "create an obstacle" and "present an obstacle" are grammatically correct. "Create" suggests bringing the obstacle into existence, while "present" suggests the obstacle already exists but is now apparent.

What's the difference between "create an obstacle" and "overcome an obstacle"?

"Create an obstacle" refers to the act of generating a hindrance. "Overcome an obstacle" refers to successfully dealing with and moving past a hindrance.