filled with obstacles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "filled with obstacles" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation, journey, or experience that presents many challenges or difficulties. For example: "Her path to success was filled with obstacles that tested her resolve." Alternative expressions include "fraught with challenges," "laden with difficulties," and "full of hurdles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Our path was filled with obstacles.

The New York Times

From the start, that first date seemed filled with obstacles.

The New York Times

But the path from Maastricht to today was filled with obstacles.

The New York Times

It is going to be filled with obstacles and you have to navigate them, and we learn from these things.

The New York Times

But despite a much-heralded cease-fire and a peace agreement, the road to lasting peace remains filled with obstacles.

The New York Times

The first is that failure to enact legislation is the default political outcome because our political system is filled with obstacles to legislation.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

The Obama campaign, by design, is trying to let his legion of admirers know that the path ahead for his campaign is almost certainly to be filled with more obstacles than the road so far.

The New York Times

He paid smugglers to take him north through a maze of menace filled with unceasing obstacles.

Huffington Post

Edward Mascarenhas' thesis project, titled Barbecana, imagines the brutalist architecture that characterizes the Barbican filled with digital obstacles, changing environments, and other augmented reality objects.

Vice

Players control the eponymous Spidy, an extraterrestrial spider, and navigate him through a series of levels that are filled with deadly obstacles.

Wikipedia

For example, people who tend to believe that life is overwhelming and filled with insurmountable obstacles, think that they are inadequate or flawed, or believe that negative consequences will follow if something negative happens to them are likely to become depressed.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "filled with obstacles" to vividly depict a challenging situation or journey, emphasizing the multitude of difficulties encountered.

Common error

While "filled with obstacles" is generally acceptable, consider using simpler alternatives like "difficult" or "challenging" in very casual conversations to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "filled with obstacles" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, describing the noun as being characterized by numerous difficulties. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

23%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "filled with obstacles" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe situations or journeys marked by numerous challenges. Ludwig confirms its correctness and widespread use across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, it's advisable to consider simpler alternatives in very casual conversations. Key related phrases include "fraught with difficulties" and "beset by challenges". The phrase effectively communicates the presence of difficulties, preparing the audience for potential struggles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fraught with difficulties

Emphasizes the presence of difficulties, often implying a negative or problematic situation.

beset by challenges

Highlights the presence of challenges that surround or harass, creating a sense of being under pressure.

replete with hurdles

Focuses on the abundance of hurdles or barriers that need to be overcome.

laden with impediments

Stresses the heavy presence of impediments that hinder progress.

strewn with difficulties

Paints a picture of difficulties scattered along a path or situation.

hampered by setbacks

Highlights the hindering effect of setbacks on progress.

plagued by problems

Indicates the persistent and troublesome presence of problems.

rife with complications

Emphasizes the common and widespread nature of complications.

complicated by hurdles

Focuses on the complicating effect of hurdles or challenges.

beset with adversity

Highlights the presence of misfortune and hardship.

FAQs

What does "filled with obstacles" mean?

The phrase "filled with obstacles" means that something, such as a path, journey, or situation, is full of difficulties, challenges, and impediments.

What are some alternatives to "filled with obstacles"?

Alternatives include "fraught with difficulties", "beset by challenges", or "replete with hurdles".

How can I use "filled with obstacles" in a sentence?

You can say, "The road to success is often filled with obstacles that test one's resolve" or "The project was filled with obstacles, but we managed to overcome them all".

Is "filled with obstacles" formal or informal?

"Filled with obstacles" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more direct alternatives might be preferred in very casual settings.