create obstacles for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "create obstacles for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or situations that hinder progress or make it difficult for someone to achieve a goal. Example: "The new regulations may create obstacles for small businesses trying to expand their operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Any structures in the Thames could impact the flow of the river and create obstacles for watercraft".

The Guardian

"I believe that part of the increasing Hezbollah activity is not just that they want to create obstacles for peace," said Haim Ramon, a cabinet minister.

The New York Times

And Suu Kyi's government has made no attempt to revoke laws that limit the number of children Muslims can have and that create obstacles for marriages between Muslim men and Buddhist women.

The New Yorker

"We don't want to create obstacles for people, but rather make it conducive to use alternatives".

BBC

Another potential worry: Indonesia's economic resilience has generated a wave of national pride that could create obstacles for much-needed foreign investment.

Forbes

This article reexamines several assumptions that have guided the design of these efficacy trials but that also create obstacles for studies of bipolar disorder and suggests potential solutions.

Biological Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

At times, she created obstacles for other New Yorkers - traffic tie-ups and mob scenes.

The New York Times

It's also a remarkably lazy approach to creating obstacles for Lara to overcome.

The New York Times - Tech

In Indonesia, too, a shrinking civet population is creating obstacles for those hoping to ride the civet coffee boom.

The New York Times

"Since everyone sees this government going nowhere, every small action gives the perception that it is creating obstacles for peace".

The New York Times

Like Papadogeorgou and Konstantinou, Spiliopoulos believes a lack of knowledge about the social enterprise sector creates obstacles for social entrepreneurs.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "create obstacles for", consider the specific type of obstacle being created. Be precise in describing how the obstacle impacts the subject.

Common error

Avoid using the passive voice when "create obstacles for" allows for a more direct and impactful statement. For example, instead of "Obstacles were created for them", write "They created obstacles for them".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "create obstacles for" functions as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it describes an action that introduces difficulties or impediments, impacting someone's progress or goals. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts, such as politics, business, and personal development.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "create obstacles for" is a grammatically correct and usable English expression denoting the act of hindering progress or setting up difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not exceptionally frequent, it's commonly used across news, scientific, and business contexts. It's crucial to consider the specific obstacle and avoid passive voice for a more direct impact. For formal settings, "create impediments for" or "pose challenges to" can be suitable alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hinder progress

Focuses specifically on slowing down or stopping advancement.

impede advancement

Similar to 'hinder progress' but emphasizes the forward movement.

obstruct development

Highlights blocking or hindering the growth or unfolding of something.

create impediments

Uses a more formal synonym for 'obstacles'.

place barriers

Emphasizes the physical or metaphorical act of putting obstacles in the way.

pose challenges

Indicates the presentation of difficulties that need to be overcome.

set back

Implies causing a delay or reversal in progress.

throw a wrench in

An idiomatic expression for disrupting a plan.

complicate matters

Indicates making a situation more complex and difficult to manage.

sabotage efforts

Suggests deliberately undermining attempts to succeed.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "create obstacles for" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "create impediments for" or "pose challenges to", which convey a similar meaning with a heightened level of formality.

What does "create obstacles for" mean?

The phrase "create obstacles for" means to establish or introduce difficulties or hindrances that make it harder for someone or something to achieve a goal or make progress. It implies actively generating impediments.

Is there a difference between "create obstacles for" and "present challenges for"?

While both phrases indicate difficulty, "create obstacles for" suggests actively generating hindrances, whereas "present challenges for" simply implies that difficulties exist without necessarily indicating their origin.

What are some common situations where someone might "create obstacles for" another?

People might "create obstacles for" others in competitive business environments, political scenarios, or even in personal relationships where there are conflicting interests or goals. For example, a company might create obstacles for a competitor by filing lawsuits or lobbying for regulations that disadvantage them.