external barrier

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "external barrier" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical or metaphorical obstacle that is outside of a particular system or entity. Example: "The external barrier created by the new regulations has made it difficult for small businesses to compete in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The environment may impose an external barrier to reproduction, such as a river or mountain range, between two incipient species but that external barrier alone will not make them separate, full-fledged species.

University of California, Berkeley

These include options with sequential barriers, options with an external barrier and two-asset lookback options.

Journal of Complexity

Sunblocks are products whose ingredients are primarily designed to sit on top of the skin and form an external barrier to block the rays of the sun.

Huffington Post

What happens here is that the person has to construct their own external barrier (the friends intervention) to protect themselves from an encounter with the true barrier: that they are not able to defend her honor.

Huffington Post

The skin is the external barrier of the human body.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology

A major external barrier was the position of nursing within the health hierarchy and organisational structures in South Africa.

Global Health Action

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The external barriers are thought to result from ecological selection and niche differentiation among lineages.

Nature

EXTERNAL barriers, like housing discrimination based on race, are still viewed as the main cause of black-white segregation.

The New York Times

Therefore, hospitals said they would erect external barriers and call for police assistance if swelling crowds became unruly.... ANDREA KANNAPELL.

The New York Times

In addition to the external barriers erected by society, women are also hindered by barriers that exist within ourselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

The chicken: Women will tear down the external barriers once we achieve leadership roles.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "external barrier", ensure it clearly indicates an obstacle originating from outside the system or entity being discussed. Context is crucial for understanding the nature and impact of the barrier.

Common error

Avoid using "external barrier" when the obstacle is internal to the system or individual. Clearly distinguish between internal limitations (e.g., lack of skills) and external barriers (e.g., discriminatory policies).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "external barrier" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its role in describing hindrances originating from outside a specific entity or system.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "external barrier" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe obstacles originating from outside a system. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across different domains. While not exceedingly common, it finds its place in academic, scientific, and news-related contexts. Alternatives like "outside obstacle" or "external obstacle" can provide variety while retaining semantic similarity. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by distinguishing it from internal barriers and providing sufficient context to elucidate the nature of the obstacle. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, you can effectively communicate the impact of external influences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

external obstacle

This alternative directly replaces "barrier" with a synonym.

outside obstacle

This alternative uses a more common synonym for "external", making it slightly less formal.

external impediment

This alternative uses a more formal synonym for "barrier", suggesting a significant hindrance.

external constraint

This suggests a limiting factor imposed from the outside.

outside limitation

Similar to "outside obstacle" but emphasizing a restriction.

environmental obstacle

This option emphasizes the environmental origin of the barrier.

situational hindrance

Highlights the role of the situation as a factor.

exterior obstacle

This alternative is similar to "external obstacle" but less frequently used.

third-party obstacle

Specifies that the obstacle comes from another agent or entity.

societal barrier

Focuses on barriers imposed by society.

FAQs

How can I use "external barrier" in a sentence?

You can use "external barrier" to describe any obstacle or impediment that originates from outside a system or entity. For example: "The new regulations created an external barrier to market entry."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "external barrier"?

Alternatives include "outside obstacle", "external obstacle", or "environmental obstacle depending on the specific context".

What's the difference between an "external barrier" and an internal one?

An external barrier is something that comes from outside of the system. For example, a new law. An internal barrier is something that exists inside of the system itself. For example, a lack of expertise.

Is "external barrier" the same as "societal barrier"?

While sometimes interchangeable, "societal barrier" typically refers to obstacles created by social structures or norms, whereas "external barrier" is a broader term encompassing any obstacle originating from outside, not necessarily social in nature. A societal barrier could be racial discrimination.