have been obstructed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been obstructed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where progress or movement has been hindered or blocked, often in a passive construction. Example: "The delivery of supplies has been obstructed due to severe weather conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Since then, the family allege attempts to work out what happened inside Harmondsworth have been obstructed.

The Guardian

President Obama's plan to ratify a new arms-control treaty with Russia by the end of the year may have been obstructed by Senate Republicans.

The New Yorker

Millions of Ivorians do not have identity papers, so northerners like Mr Soro and his fighters have been obstructed from getting the Ivorian citizenship that is rightfully theirs.

The Economist

Forcing the survivors to move deep back into the sprawling delta will further stymie aid groups that have been obstructed by the junta from reaching victims and sending in disaster experts and vital supplies.

The New York Times

As digital communications have been obstructed by the government, many on Twitter have been calling for protestors to use FireChat, the messaging service used by pro-democracy demonstrators in Hong Kong, which does not require an internet connection.

The Guardian

He told a press conference: "From day one my inquiries have been obstructed in its work by the FRU and Special Branch in particular". Six officers had left the police as a result of the pressure.

The Telegraph

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"The view I take is they have been obstructing me in my duties as a lawyer.

The New York Times

"The allegation is that I have been obstructing the police in the performance of their duties," she said.

The New York Times

According to volunteers on the site, French police have been obstructing efforts to upgrade the camp for two weeks.

The Guardian

Faced with losing this cash, much of which flows into private and political coffers, state governors have been obstructing the finance minister.

The Economist

And because they do not wish to lose any of the power that they have gained, they have been obstructing the government's plans to train troops.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been obstructed" to describe situations where intentional or unintentional actions have hindered progress or made something difficult to achieve. Be specific about what "has been obstructed" and, if possible, by whom or what.

Common error

Avoid using "have been obstructed" when an active voice construction is more appropriate. For example, instead of "The road has been obstructed by debris", consider "Debris obstructed the road" if you want to emphasize the cause of the obstruction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been obstructed" functions as a passive voice construction in the present perfect tense. It indicates that something has been blocked, hindered, or prevented from progressing. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have been obstructed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that something has been hindered or blocked, according to Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it conveys a neutral tone suitable for reporting or describing impeded progress. To enhance clarity, specify what has been obstructed and, if possible, by whom or what. While "have been obstructed" is generally appropriate, remember to opt for an active voice construction when it better emphasizes the cause of the obstruction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been hindered

Replaces "obstructed" with a synonym suggesting a slowing down or impediment.

have been impeded

Uses "impeded" to convey a sense of obstruction or prevention of progress.

have been blocked

Emphasizes the action of something being completely stopped or prevented from passing.

have been thwarted

Suggests a deliberate attempt to prevent something from succeeding.

have been hampered

Indicates that something has been made more difficult to achieve.

have been stalled

Implies a temporary or indefinite halt in progress.

have been curtailed

Indicates a reduction or restriction in something's scope or extent.

have been disrupted

Focuses on the interruption or disturbance of a process or activity.

have met with obstruction

A more formal way of saying "have been obstructed".

have faced obstacles

Indicates the presence of difficulties that hinder progress, but does not necessarily mean complete blockage.

FAQs

How can I use "have been obstructed" in a sentence?

You can use "have been obstructed" to describe a situation where something has been blocked or hindered. For example, "The investigation "has been obstructed" by a lack of cooperation."

What are some alternatives to "have been obstructed"?

Alternatives include "have been hindered", "have been impeded", or "have been blocked", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "have been obstructed" or "was obstructed"?

"Have been obstructed" is used in the present perfect tense, indicating an action that started in the past and continues to the present or has present relevance. "Was obstructed" is in the past tense, referring to a completed action in the past. The choice depends on the intended meaning and context.

What is the difference between "have been obstructed" and "are obstructing"?

"Have been obstructed" is in the passive voice, present perfect tense, indicating that something has been blocked or hindered. "Are obstructing" is in the active voice, present continuous tense, indicating that someone or something is currently blocking or hindering something else.