encountered obstacles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "encountered obstacles" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing challenges or difficulties faced in a particular situation or process. Example: "During the project, we encountered obstacles that delayed our progress and required us to rethink our strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

The agency has also encountered obstacles from companies.

The New York Times

Recently, some of the most exciting projects from Tour's lab have encountered obstacles.

The New Yorker

Global Crossing's survival challenges increased last week as the offer from Hutchinson Whampoa and Singapore Technologies encountered obstacles.

The New York Times

The city has turned to other measures to shore up its finances but has encountered obstacles with them as well.

The New York Times

It has encountered obstacles, not least in raising capital during its early days, given the dearth of investors in Africa.

The New York Times - Arts

According to an Open Doors survey from 2005, more than 80percentt of adults with disabilities who have traveled by air encountered obstacles.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

When a filopodium collides with an encountered obstacle, it senses the object's chemical properties and also probes its mechanical resistance and size.

Plosone

This is evidence that providers are either displeased or encountered obstacle with the FFS method during patients' referrals.

BMC Health Services Research

But he still encounters obstacles at every turn.

The New York Times

"Many young people encounter obstacles when it comes to getting information.

The New York Times

The main character is a flawed man who encounters obstacles in pursuit of glory.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "encountered obstacles" to transition into describing the challenges and how they were addressed, creating a narrative of problem-solving.

Common error

Avoid using "encountered obstacles" in overly passive constructions. Instead of "obstacles were encountered", try "the team encountered obstacles" for a more direct and engaging statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "encountered obstacles" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the experience of facing challenges or difficulties. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable across various contexts. The phrase describes facing challenges.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "encountered obstacles" is a versatile and grammatically correct way to describe facing challenges or difficulties. According to Ludwig AI, it's usable in various contexts, ranging from formal reports to casual narratives. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse audiences, and while it's frequently found in news and scientific publications, its use extends to wikis and business contexts. When using this phrase, specificity is key; detailing the nature of the obstacles enhances clarity and impact. Remember to avoid overusing passive constructions for a more direct writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faced challenges

Focuses on the act of facing difficulties, slightly more general than encountering.

met with difficulties

Highlights the experience of encountering difficulties, similar in tone and meaning.

ran into problems

More informal, suggests unexpected issues arose.

experienced setbacks

Emphasizes the negative impact on progress.

contended with hurdles

Implies effort was required to overcome the difficulties.

navigated complexities

Highlights the process of dealing with intricate and difficult situations.

grappled with issues

Focuses on struggling to understand or resolve problems.

overcame impediments

Emphasizes the successful resolution of obstacles.

addressed complications

Highlights the act of managing and resolving complex issues.

dealt with adversity

Suggests facing hardship and unfavorable conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "encountered obstacles" in a sentence?

You can use "encountered obstacles" to describe challenges faced during a process or project. For example: "The project team "encountered obstacles" during the testing phase that required immediate attention."

What are some alternatives to "encountered obstacles"?

Alternatives include phrases like "faced challenges", "ran into problems", or "met with difficulties", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "encountered obstacles" or "faced obstacles"?

Both "encountered obstacles" and "faced obstacles" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Encountered" suggests a more passive experience, while "faced" implies a more active confrontation of the challenges.

What's the difference between "encountered obstacles" and "overcame obstacles"?

"Encountered obstacles" describes the initial experience of facing difficulties. "Overcame obstacles" describes the successful resolution of those difficulties. So, the latter implies a successful effort to move past the "challenges".