encounter obstructions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "encounter obstructions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing challenges or barriers that one may face in various contexts, such as projects, journeys, or processes. Example: "During the project, we may encounter obstructions that could delay our timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The direction of axonal outgrowth was randomly chosen uniformly in the 3D space, and an axon grew in a straight line toward the given direction as growth direction of axons has a propensity to grow in approximately straight lines unless axons encounter obstructions or guidance cues (Sperry 1963 Easterr et al. 1985; Yamamoto et al. 2002).

Biological Cybernetics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In April, the month the rig exploded, workers encountered obstructions in the well.

The New York Times

The irony this time – or one of the ironies, at least – is that, according to local resident and blogger Chris Morris, when locals tried previously to use parts of the abandoned estate for vegetable growing and art shows, they encountered "obstruction" from the council.

Vice

That prompted Mr. Reid to note that even after agreeing to take up the tax issue before anything else, he was encountering Republican obstruction.

The New York Times

I encountered no obstruction upon entry, however.

Vice

The construction workers were breaking ground for a new fire and police building when they encountered an obstruction in the dirt, The Denver Post reports.

Huffington Post

The Dutch colorectal cancer group reported 11% of the preoperatively irradiated patients encountered SB obstruction in a 5-year follow-up [ 37].

BioMed Research International

Problems commonly encountered include obstruction of the femoral vein by the catheter, insertion difficulties, safety concerns when cannulating the subclavian vein in coagulopathy, and catheter and circuit occlusion due to disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Critical Care

As a result of obstructions encountered during pile driving, the span of the constructed arches actually varied from 15 to 34 feet (5 to 10 metres).

Encyclopedia Britannica

There were obstructions encountered in building the cofferdams, however, so that the arch spans eventually varied from 4.5 to 10.2 metres (15 to 34 feet).

Encyclopedia Britannica

In this experimental setup, all links are classified into four categories depending on the number of obstructions encountered.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "encounter obstructions", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes an "obstruction". This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity. For example, specify whether the obstructions are physical barriers, bureaucratic hurdles, or conceptual challenges.

Common error

While "encounter obstructions" is grammatically correct, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "run into problems" or "face challenges" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "encounter obstructions" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun. It describes the action of coming across or experiencing hindrances. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "encounter obstructions" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes the experience of facing difficulties or barriers. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is applicable across various contexts and writing styles. While considered neutral to formal in register, it appears frequently in science, news, and encyclopedic sources. When writing, remember to clearly define the nature of the obstructions to avoid ambiguity. For less formal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "face obstacles" or "run into problems".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

face obstacles

Replaces "encounter" with "face", emphasizing a direct confrontation with difficulties.

meet with impediments

Substitutes both words for similar but slightly more formal terms.

come up against barriers

Uses a more colloquial phrasing, highlighting the obstructive nature of the issues.

run into difficulties

Focuses on the problematic nature of the encounters, rather than the physical obstruction.

experience hindrances

Emphasizes the delaying effect of the problems encountered.

confront limitations

Shifts the focus to inherent constraints rather than external blocks.

navigate challenges

Highlights the active process of overcoming difficulties.

deal with setbacks

Emphasizes the negative impact and temporary delay caused by the difficulties.

grapple with obstacles

Indicates a more intense and prolonged struggle with the difficulties.

contend with obstructions

Uses a more formal and forceful term for dealing with the difficulties.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "encounter obstructions" in simpler terms?

You can use alternatives like "face obstacles", "run into problems", or "meet difficulties" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "encounter obstructions" or "face obstructions"?

Both "encounter obstructions" and "face obstructions" are acceptable. "Encounter" suggests a chance meeting with the obstruction, while "face" implies a direct confrontation.

What does "encounter obstructions" mean in a project management context?

In project management, "encounter obstructions" refers to facing unexpected roadblocks or challenges that hinder progress. This could include resource shortages, technical difficulties, or bureaucratic delays.

When is it best to use the phrase "encounter obstructions"?

Use "encounter obstructions" when you want to describe facing unexpected difficulties that act as barriers. It's suitable for formal writing and situations where a degree of unexpectedness is implied.