facing obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "facing obstacle" is not correct in English; it should be "facing obstacles" for proper usage.
You can use it when discussing challenges or difficulties that someone or something is encountering. Example: "The team is currently facing obstacles in their project due to unforeseen circumstances."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I'm constantly facing obstacles.

The New Yorker

Sal faced obstacle after obstacle trying desperately to get help.

The Guardian - Opinion

The program faces obstacles.

The New York Times

The deal may face obstacles.

The Economist

Still, advocates face obstacles.

The New York Times

Each side faces obstacles.

The Guardian

When they do, they face obstacles everywhere.

The Economist

But the investment drive faces obstacles.

The Economist

Biotechnology still certainly faces obstacles.

The New York Times

Mr. Digby's organization faces obstacles.

The New York Times - Arts

But she and the girls face obstacles.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the plural form "obstacles" when referring to challenges one is encountering. The correct phrase is "facing obstacles".

Common error

A frequent error is using the singular form "obstacle" instead of the plural "obstacles" after "facing". Ensure you're using the correct plural form to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase is intended to function as a verb phrase, describing the act of encountering or dealing with difficulties. However, the singular "obstacle" renders it grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI confirms this issue.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "facing obstacle" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "facing obstacles". Ludwig AI highlights this grammatical issue. The corrected phrase is used to describe situations where someone is encountering difficulties. Common errors include using the singular form instead of the plural. When writing, remember to use "obstacles" to maintain accuracy. While no examples exist for the incorrect form, related phrases like "encountering challenges" or "confronting difficulties" can be used to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encountering an obstacle

Uses "encountering" instead of "facing", suggesting a similar but perhaps more unexpected confrontation with a challenge. Also, uses the correct article "an" before "obstacle".

confronting a problem

Employs "confronting" which implies a more direct and intentional approach to dealing with a challenge. And, uses the correct article "a" before "problem".

experiencing a setback

Focuses on the result of an obstacle, highlighting the delay or reversal in progress that it causes. Uses the correct article "a" before "setback".

dealing with a challenge

Highlights the process of managing or handling a difficult situation or obstacle. Uses the correct article "a" before "challenge".

up against a difficulty

Suggests a direct opposition or struggle against something that hinders progress. Uses the correct article "a" before "difficulty".

facing a hurdle

Uses "hurdle" metaphorically to represent an obstacle that needs to be overcome.

meeting an impediment

Implies encountering something that obstructs or hinders progress, often unexpectedly. Also, uses the correct article "an" before "impediment".

running into an issue

Suggests an unplanned encounter with a problem or difficulty.

contending with a complication

Highlights the act of struggling or competing with a complex problem.

grappling with an adversity

Implies a sustained effort to overcome a difficult or unfavorable situation.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "facing obstacle"?

No, the correct grammatical form is "facing obstacles". "Obstacles" should be plural as it usually refers to multiple challenges or difficulties.

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

"Facing obstacle" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "facing obstacles", which means encountering challenges or difficulties.

What can I say instead of "facing obstacle"?

Since "facing obstacle" is incorrect, use "facing obstacles". Alternative phrases include "encountering challenges" or "confronting difficulties".

How do I use "facing obstacles" in a sentence?

You can use "facing obstacles" to describe a situation where someone is encountering difficulties. For example, "The company is facing obstacles due to the current economic downturn."