first sticking point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first sticking point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the initial obstacle or challenge encountered in a process or discussion. Example: "During the negotiations, the first sticking point was the disagreement over budget allocations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

A diet of rice, fish and ramen was the first sticking point.

The New York Times - Sports

On the wall at the Garín Herriko Taberna, a bar for pro-Eta separatists, the portraits of some 30 sons and daughters of the town signal a first sticking point in what Basque regional prime minister Patxi López warned on Friday would be a difficult peace process.

The Guardian

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has since suggested a way around the first sticking point, saying Tehran has the right to refine uranium but is not now insisting others recognise that right.

Huffington Post

Find the first sticking point.

WikiHow

Write down the number in between the grooves as your first sticking point.

WikiHow

Release the shackle tension and turn the dial clockwise slightly past the first sticking point.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Record the number in between the sticking points -- if you are stuck between 4.5 and 5.5, your second sticking point is 5. Like before, ignore half-sticking points (2.5, 9.5) and continue until you have a whole number.

WikiHow

That is the second sticking point.

Independent

Hacking's second sticking point is nominalism, or name-ism.

SEP

But, to many people's surprise, there may be a potential solution to the second sticking point - Iran's insistence on its right to enrich uranium.

BBC

A fourth sticking point for Uber is a TfL requirement the company inform it of forthcoming changes to its app, which it argues will slow down the rollout of new features.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "first sticking point", clearly identify what the subsequent sticking points are or might be to provide context and a sense of progression.

Common error

Avoid using "first sticking point" for minor inconveniences. Ensure it represents a significant challenge that genuinely impedes progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first sticking point" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the initial significant problem or disagreement in a process or negotiation. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first sticking point" is a grammatically sound and commonly used term to describe the initial obstacle or disagreement in a process. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not extremely frequent, it appears across various contexts, particularly in news and media, and is suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure the identified issue is a substantial impediment and, for clarity, indicate its relationship to any subsequent issues. Consider alternatives like "initial obstacle" or "primary hurdle" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first stumbling block

Emphasizes the issue causing initial difficulty.

initial obstacle

Focuses on the obstructive nature of the issue.

primary hurdle

Emphasizes the challenge that needs to be overcome.

primary challenge

Highlights the difficulty and effort required to resolve the problem.

initial disagreement

Highlights the difference in opinion as the main issue.

initial point of contention

Focuses on disagreement and argument.

main impediment

Stresses the hindering aspect of the issue.

key obstacle

Focuses on the obstacle as being important.

main issue

Emphasizes the core problem that causes disagreement.

original point of conflict

Highlights the issue as the origin of conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "first sticking point" in a sentence?

You can use "first sticking point" to describe the initial significant obstacle in a negotiation, plan, or process. For example: "The "first sticking point" in the contract negotiations was the salary demands."

What's a simpler way to say "first sticking point"?

Alternatives to "first sticking point" include "initial obstacle", "primary hurdle", or "initial disagreement", depending on the specific context.

Is "first sticking point" formal or informal?

"First sticking point" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is often used in professional and news-related discussions.

What is the difference between "first sticking point" and "main sticking point"?

"First sticking point" refers to the initial obstacle encountered, while "main sticking point" refers to the most significant or difficult obstacle overall.