creating obstacles

USAGE SUMMARY

"creating obstacles" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It means to intentionally or unintentionally make it difficult for someone to achieve something. You can use this phrase when describing a situation where someone or something is causing difficulties or challenges for someone else. For example: - "The new policies implemented by the government are creating obstacles for small businesses to thrive." - "His fear of failure is creating obstacles for him to pursue his dreams." - "She tried to be supportive, but her constant criticism ended up creating obstacles in their relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"People were concerned not only with the bikes' creating obstacles and hazards for pedestrians, but with the bikes' creating obstacles and hazards for vehicles".

The New York Times

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

The New York Times - Tech

And it distorts perceptions, creating obstacles and monsters where none exist.

The Guardian - Books

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

47% see the Israeli government as "constantly creating obstacles to avoid engaging in the peace process" (32% disagreed).

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Others, from Israeli doomsayers to Iranian hardliners, will create obstacles.

The Economist

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

The New York Times

Passion creates obstacles and pain that block what love is about.

The New York Times

It remains to be seen whether the newly emboldened Palestinians will create obstacles to further negotiations.

The New Yorker

The rulings and decisions, Shaw later wrote me, had created obstacles, but they were not insurmountable.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "creating obstacles", consider the specific type of obstacle being created and choose a more precise verb if possible. For example, use "imposing restrictions" instead of "creating obstacles" when referring to limitations.

Common error

Avoid using "creating obstacles" repeatedly in formal writing. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "erecting barriers" or "placing impediments" to maintain reader engagement and demonstrate a broader vocabulary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "creating obstacles" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. Ludwig examples show it describes the action of making something more difficult. According to Ludwig AI, it describes intentionally or unintentionally making it difficult for someone to achieve something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "creating obstacles" is a commonly used gerund phrase that describes the action of generating difficulties or impediments. As Ludwig AI confirms, it can refer to both intentional and unintentional actions. It's frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in scientific and formal business settings. While grammatically correct, consider using more precise or formal synonyms depending on the context, such as "impeding progress" or "erecting barriers". Be mindful of overuse and aim for variety in your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obstructing progress

Focuses on the act of blocking or hindering forward movement.

hampering efforts

Emphasizes the act of making it difficult for someone to achieve something.

erecting barriers

Focuses on the physical or metaphorical act of setting up barriers to impede progress.

hindering advancement

Emphasizes the action of impeding or slowing down progress.

placing impediments

Emphasizes the act of putting obstacles in the way.

impeding development

Highlights the obstruction of growth or progress.

throwing up hurdles

Highlights the act of introducing challenges or difficulties.

setting up roadblocks

Highlights the deliberate action of creating obstacles to stop or slow down progress.

generating complications

Focuses on producing complex and difficult situations.

stifling innovation

Focuses on suppressing new ideas or creative solutions.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "creating obstacles" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "impeding progress" or "obstructing advancement". These options convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated vocabulary.

What are some synonyms for "creating obstacles" that emphasize difficulty?

If you want to emphasize the difficulty caused, try phrases like "hampering efforts" or "throwing up hurdles". These suggest that significant effort is required to overcome the challenges.

Is "creating obstacles" a suitable phrase for academic writing?

Yes, "creating obstacles" is generally acceptable, but it's better to use more precise and formal alternatives in academic contexts. Consider options like "generating complications" or "stifling innovation" for greater clarity and sophistication.

What is the difference between "creating obstacles" and "facing obstacles"?

"Creating obstacles" refers to the act of causing or introducing difficulties, while "facing obstacles" means encountering or dealing with existing challenges. The first implies an active role in generating problems, while the second suggests a reactive response to difficulties.