creates an obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "creates an obstacle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that hinders progress or makes a task more difficult. Example: "The lack of funding creates an obstacle to the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

Again, this creates an obstacle for a customs agent that could be enough to deter a more detailed search.

The Washington Post

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

However, high cost and limited availability of micro-silica sand creates an obstacle for widespread application of ECC in civil infrastructure.

Construction and Building Materials

However, poor aqueous solubility of curcumin creates an obstacle for delivering its bioactivity in food systems and pharmaceutical formulations.

Nano-Micro Letters

The national law restricting diagnostic ultrasound use to radiologists, noted above, creates an obstacle for those interested in expanding training and adoption by EPs.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

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

Los Angeles Times

"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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "creates an obstacle", clearly define what the obstacle is and its impact on the situation you're describing. For example, "The new regulations create an obstacle for small businesses trying to enter the market".

Common error

Avoid using "creates an obstacle" when the situation only presents a minor inconvenience. Use more nuanced language if the issue doesn't significantly impede progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "creates an obstacle" functions as a verb phrase, where "creates" is the verb and "an obstacle" is the direct object. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is used to describe something that hinders progress or makes a task more difficult.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "creates an obstacle" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that describes something hindering progress or making a task more difficult. As Ludwig highlights, it appears in diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. The phrase functions to identify impediments and explain difficulties. While it is versatile, it's important to ensure its usage aligns with the severity of the situation, avoiding overstatement for minor inconveniences. Alternatives like "presents a barrier" or "poses a challenge" can provide nuanced options for conveying similar meanings. In essence, "creates an obstacle" is a useful tool for expressing impediments, but careful consideration of context and severity is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

presents a barrier

Replaces "creates" with "presents" and "obstacle" with "barrier", focusing on the impediment aspect.

poses a challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty aspect of the situation rather than a complete blockage.

introduces a hurdle

Highlights a difficulty that needs to be overcome.

forms an impediment

Uses a more formal term, "impediment", to describe the obstacle.

hinders progress

Focuses on the action of slowing down advancement, rather than the static existence of an obstacle.

obstructs the path

Emphasizes the blocking of a route or course of action.

complicates matters

Highlights the increase in difficulty or intricacy.

raises difficulties

Focuses on the emergence of problems that need to be addressed.

sets back progress

Emphasizes the setback or delay caused by the obstacle.

throws up a roadblock

Uses a more vivid metaphor to describe a sudden and unexpected obstacle.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "presents a barrier", "poses a challenge", or "introduces a hurdle" depending on the context.

How to use "creates an obstacle" in a sentence?

Use "creates an obstacle" to describe something that makes progress difficult or prevents a goal from being achieved. For example, "Lack of funding creates an obstacle to research."

Which is correct, "creates an obstacle" or "poses an obstacle"?

Both "creates an obstacle" and "poses an obstacle" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Creates" emphasizes the act of bringing the obstacle into existence, while "poses" emphasizes the presentation of a challenge.

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

"Creates an obstacle" suggests a more concrete barrier, while "presents a challenge" implies a difficulty that can be overcome with effort and strategy. The former may be more difficult to overcome, while the latter is more about testing abilities.