function as an obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "function as an obstacle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that hinders or prevents progress or action in a particular context. Example: "The lack of funding can function as an obstacle to the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the meantime, the enchantment of the "good community" functions as an obstacle to reform.

The New York Times

Now he is steeped in the language of education, talking passionately about creating a community of learners, or about children who score in the bottom quartile on the SAT 9. "It doesn't take long to understand the issues, to see the extraordinary talent of many of the people inside the system, and the ways the system has functioned as an obstacle to their growth," he said.

The New York Times

Hence, in contrast to the other fitness function, the selective pressure on work distribution functions as an obstacle to the evolution of specialization.

Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology

We call the function ψ an obstacle.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

I see our office not as an obstacle.

The New York Times

It's not as big an obstacle as fear.

Huffington Post

The function is an obstacle and determines the boundary values.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

As shown in Table  4, more community pharmacists (n = 168, 88.4%) than hospital pharmacists (n = 13, 13.8%) responded that "Difficulty in obtaining information on patient renal function" was an obstacle to implementation of ADDR.> -wrap-foot> aChi-square test.

BMC Health Services Research

Examples of such behaviour could, for instance, be braking behaviour as a function of headway to an obstacle [8], or steering behaviour as a function of perceptual inputs [14].

European Transport Research Review

In this study population, renal function was not an obstacle for treatment in many patients as the mean eGFR was around 40 ml/min/1.73 m.

BMC Geriatrics

How might the social practices of science be organized so that variations in background beliefs of inquirers function as a resource rather than an obstacle to scientific success (Longino 1990; Solomon 2001)?

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "function as an obstacle", ensure the sentence clearly identifies what is being hindered or prevented. Clarity is key to effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "function as an obstacle" in overly complex sentences. Simpler phrasing often enhances clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "function as an obstacle" primarily acts as a predicate nominative, describing the role or effect of something. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates something that impedes or prevents progress. Example: The lack of resources functions as an obstacle.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "function as an obstacle" is grammatically sound and serves to identify something that hinders progress or blocks achievement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While examples are currently limited, the phrase has a neutral register and can be adapted to various contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is important to ensure the reader understands what is being impeded. Consider also alternatives like "act as a barrier" or "serve as a hindrance" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act as a barrier

Emphasizes the blocking or preventing aspect of the obstacle.

serve as a hindrance

Highlights the delaying or impeding effect of the obstacle.

pose a challenge

Focuses on the difficulty that the obstacle presents.

constitute an impediment

A more formal way of saying something is an obstacle.

create an obstruction

Implies actively blocking or hindering progress.

form an encumbrance

Suggests a burden or weight that slows progress.

be a stumbling block

Highlights how the obstacle can cause someone to fail or hesitate.

present an adversity

Focuses on the hardship caused by the obstacle.

work as a constraint

Emphasizes the limiting effect of the obstacle.

inhibit progress

Directly states that the obstacle prevents advancement.

FAQs

How can I use "function as an obstacle" in a sentence?

You can use "function as an obstacle" to describe something that hinders progress or prevents a desired outcome. For example, "Lack of funding can function as an obstacle to research."

What are some alternatives to "function as an obstacle"?

Alternatives include "act as a barrier", "serve as a hindrance", or "pose a challenge" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "function as an obstacle" or "act as an obstacle"?

Both "function as an obstacle" and "act as an obstacle" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "function as an obstacle" and "present an obstacle"?

"Function as an obstacle" suggests that something inherently operates to hinder progress, while "present an obstacle" implies that something introduces a challenge that must be overcome. The choice depends on whether the hindrance is inherent or introduced.