full of obstacles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "full of obstacles" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, journey, or process that is fraught with difficulties or challenges. Example: "The path to success is often full of obstacles that must be overcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

The world of trade negotiations, alas, is forever full of obstacles.

The Economist

Tilting the controller can direct a racecar along a track full of obstacles.

The New York Times - Arts

The workplace is full of obstacles for mothers, and pumping is a big one.

The Washington Post

A hang-gliding game lets children use their arms as wings as they fly through a sky full of obstacles.

The New York Times - Tech

Even in the Bronx, where the census has been most successful, enumerators have found their work full of obstacles.

The New York Times

— yet prefers a path full of obstacles to the comfortable life he would lead in his father's house.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

As author Grant Frazier said, "Life is full of obstacle illusions".

Huffington Post

Despite the enormous progress that has been made in evolution education over the past 20 years or so, we still lack a comprehensive framework and strategy for how evolution education can engage with the full spectrum of obstacles to acceptance/understanding of evolution in and out of schools, which might allow truly significant improvements on a national or international scale to be realized.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

It also, however, comes with a full bag of obstacles and challenges.

Health Research Policy and Systems

They're launching Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge on Monday 13 June at 10pm ET. Based on the Spartan Race obstacle course franchise, this show features a mile-long course full of insane obstacles that co-ed teams of five compete to finish faster.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Two and a half months later, Carter left the hospital free from the infection but facing a life full of new obstacles.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "full of obstacles", consider the specific nature of the obstacles to provide context and clarity for your reader. For example, is it a process "full of administrative obstacles" or a path "full of physical obstacles"?

Common error

While "full of obstacles" is grammatically sound, overuse can make your writing sound generic. Try replacing it with more descriptive alternatives to highlight the specific nature of the challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full of obstacles" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, describing a noun. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase follows standard grammar rules and is usable in written English. It describes something that contains many impediments, difficulties, or challenges.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

26%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "full of obstacles" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe situations, paths, or processes that are challenging and difficult. As Ludwig AI confirms, it adheres to standard grammar rules. While it's appropriate for various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions, remember to provide specific context regarding the nature of the obstacles to enhance clarity. Consider descriptive alternatives to avoid overusing the phrase and to make your writing more engaging. Common sources include The New York Times, The Guardian, and Forbes, indicating its acceptance in reputable publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fraught with difficulties

Emphasizes the presence of inherent challenges or hardships.

rife with challenges

Highlights the abundance and pervasiveness of challenges.

laden with impediments

Focuses on the burdensome nature of the obstacles.

beset by setbacks

Highlights the recurring nature of the obstacles.

facing numerous hurdles

Implies a series of obstacles that must be overcome individually.

strewn with difficulties

Suggests the obstacles are scattered throughout.

complicated by challenges

Highlights challenges as adding complexity.

filled with adversity

Emphasizes the hardship and suffering caused by the obstacles.

characterized by struggles

Indicates that struggles are a defining feature.

replete with complications

Emphasizes the abundance of complicating factors.

FAQs

How can I use "full of obstacles" in a sentence?

You can use "full of obstacles" to describe a situation or process that is challenging. For instance, "The road to success is often "full of obstacles"".

What are some alternatives to "full of obstacles"?

Alternatives include phrases like "fraught with difficulties", "rife with challenges", or "laden with impediments".

Is it better to use "full of challenges" or "full of obstacles"?

Both "full of challenges" and "full of obstacles" are correct, but they emphasize different aspects. "Challenges" suggests opportunities for growth, while "obstacles" highlights impediments. The choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "a path full of obstacles" and "an obstacle-ridden path"?

While both describe a difficult route, "a path full of obstacles" is a more common and straightforward expression. "Obstacle-ridden path" is less frequent and slightly more formal.