created an obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "created an obstacle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where something has hindered progress or made a task more difficult. Example: "The unexpected rainstorm created an obstacle for the outdoor event, forcing us to move everything indoors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

An earthquake fault running down the valley created an obstacle course for the river to drop through.

Los Angeles Times

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

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

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

The construction has also created an obstacle course for ambulances going to St . Vincents Manhattan Hospital at West 11th Street and Seventh Avenue South, emergency room officials said.

The New York Times

He created an obstacle for himself by demanding that Israel stop expanding settlements when it was not going to do so — even though it should — and when that wasn't the most important condition to Arabs.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 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

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

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "created an obstacle", ensure the context clearly defines what was created and what it obstructs. For instance, "The new regulations created an obstacle for small businesses."

Common error

Avoid vague constructions where it's unclear what exactly "created" the obstacle or what the obstacle affects. Always specify both the cause and the effect for clarity. Example: Instead of "The situation created an obstacle", specify "The lack of funding created an obstacle for the project's completion."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "created an obstacle" functions as a predicate in a sentence, typically describing an action that results in a hindrance or impediment. Ludwig confirms this is correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "created an obstacle" is a grammatically sound and neutrally-registered expression used to describe the act of generating a hindrance or impediment. Ludwig confirms this. It's most commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, indicating its versatility across different registers. While not exceedingly frequent, it's a recognizable phrase. When using "created an obstacle", clarity is key; make sure to explicitly define what caused the obstacle and what is being obstructed. Alternatives like "presented a barrier" or "posed a challenge" offer nuanced options depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Presented a barrier

Replaces "created" with "presented" and "obstacle" with "barrier", emphasizing the obstructive nature.

Posed a challenge

Substitutes "obstacle" with "challenge", focusing on the difficulty introduced.

Generated a hindrance

Uses "generated" instead of "created" and "hindrance" for "obstacle", highlighting the impeding effect.

Formed an impediment

Replaces "created" with "formed" and uses the more formal term "impediment" for "obstacle".

Erected a roadblock

Employs a more metaphorical term "roadblock" to describe the obstacle.

Set up a hurdle

Uses "set up" instead of "created" and replaces "obstacle" with "hurdle", suggesting something to be overcome.

Gave rise to an obstruction

Replaces "created" with "gave rise to" and "obstacle" with "obstruction", offering a more formal tone.

Introduced a complication

Substitutes "obstacle" with "complication", emphasizing the added complexity.

Triggered an impediment

Replaces "created" with "triggered" and "obstacle" with "impediment", suggesting the obstacle arose as a consequence.

Inhibited progress

Focuses on the effect of the obstacle, replacing the phrase with a verb describing the impact on progress.

FAQs

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

Use "created an obstacle" to describe situations where something has hindered progress or made a task more difficult. For example, "The unexpected budget cuts "created an obstacle" for the research team".

What can I say instead of "created an obstacle"?

You can use alternatives like "presented a barrier", "posed a challenge", or "generated a hindrance" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "created an obstacle" or "presented an obstacle"?

Both "created an obstacle" and "presented an obstacle" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to express. "Created" suggests bringing something new into existence, while "presented" suggests something already existing came into view as an obstacle.

What's the difference between "created an obstacle" and "created a challenge"?

"Created an obstacle" implies a hindrance that blocks progress, while "created a challenge" suggests a difficult task that requires effort to overcome. An obstacle is a more direct impediment, whereas a challenge can be an opportunity for growth or innovation.