fewer obstacles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fewer obstacles" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a reduction in the number of challenges or barriers in a particular context. Example: "By implementing new strategies, we aim to create an environment with fewer obstacles for our employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

And there are fewer obstacles to cross-border combinations today.

The New York Times

But it is also because blacks face fewer obstacles.

The Economist

But it did recognize it when the picture was snapped with fewer obstacles in the way.

The New York Times

Urban communities like Newark and Stamford, Conn., however, seem to present fewer obstacles to green development.

The New York Times

"There are fewer obstacles put in the way of women in America.

Independent

The QueensWay would have fewer obstacles than the High Line in its creation.

The New York Times

The deal is also being examined for antitrust issues by the Justice Department, where it faces fewer obstacles.

The New York Times

When other states are driving companies away with suffocating layers of regulation, let's welcome them with fewer obstacles.

The New York Times

While Ms. White faces far fewer obstacles to her nomination, significant challenges await her at the S.E.C.

The New York Times

The American Revolution made possible a new world, a world of fewer obstacles, a world with a promise of equality.

The New York Times

During the game's production, those puzzles prompted one of the few disagreements between Pinsky and his collaborators: he wanted more dialogue, more exploration, and fewer obstacles to either.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for conciseness, consider if "fewer obstacles" can be replaced with a stronger verb that implies removal or reduction of obstacles, such as "facilitate" or "streamline".

Common error

Avoid stating the obvious by using "fewer obstacles" when the context already implies an easier path. Instead, focus on detailing how the obstacles have been reduced or the specific benefits that result from it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fewer obstacles" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun (implied or stated) to indicate a reduced quantity of impediments. As Ludwig shows, this reduction can apply to various situations, from business environments to personal challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fewer obstacles" is a versatile and frequently used comparative phrase that indicates a reduction in difficulties or impediments. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific publications. While alternatives like "reduced challenges" or "less hindrance" can be used, "fewer obstacles" offers a clear and concise way to express improved conditions or simplified processes. As noted in the writing guidance, be mindful of overusing it in simplistic comparisons and instead focus on specifying the how and why behind the obstacle reduction. The high frequency of "fewer obstacles" across authoritative sources underscores its value in conveying clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced challenges

Emphasizes a decrease in the degree of difficulty or complexity encountered.

less hindrance

Focuses on the decrease of something that impedes, obstructs, or delays progress.

diminished barriers

Highlights the reduction of factors that prevent access or progress.

eased restrictions

Focuses on the alleviation of rules or limitations that previously caused difficulty.

mitigated impediments

Emphasizes the lessening of factors that delay or prevent progress.

alleviated difficulties

Focuses on providing relief from problems or hardships.

simplified process

Highlights a reduction in the complexity involved in a task or procedure.

streamlined approach

Focuses on making a method more efficient and direct by removing unnecessary steps.

unimpeded progress

Focuses on progress that is not obstructed or hindered.

clearer path

Highlights a more straightforward and unobstructed way forward.

FAQs

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

You can use "fewer obstacles" to describe a situation where challenges or difficulties have been reduced. For example, "The new policy aims to create a business environment with "fewer obstacles" for startups".

What are some alternatives to "fewer obstacles"?

Alternatives include "reduced challenges", "less hindrance", or "diminished barriers", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "fewer obstacles" or "less obstacles"?

"Fewer obstacles" is generally preferred when referring to countable items. While "less obstacles" might be encountered in informal speech, "fewer" is grammatically more precise.

In what contexts is "fewer obstacles" commonly used?

"Fewer obstacles" is commonly used in discussions related to business, politics, and personal development to describe improvements in processes, systems, or personal circumstances. You might encounter the expression "fewer difficulties" in everyday conversations.