hit roadblocks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hit roadblocks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe encountering obstacles or difficulties while trying to achieve something. Example: "During the project, we hit roadblocks that delayed our progress significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

But Zevalin hit roadblocks immediately.

The New York Times - Health

You're going to hit roadblocks.

The Guardian

But authorities hit roadblocks and dead ends.

The Washington Post

Even on a virtual route to expansion and cost-cutting, Nedcor may hit roadblocks.

The Economist

But where Obama's efforts have hit roadblocks in office, Cruz thought he could get around them.

The Guardian

Johnson & Johnson's efforts to renew its drug repertory have also hit roadblocks.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

But as a legal strategy, it's already hitting roadblocks.

The Washington Post

New companies are hitting roadblocks on their way to the capital markets.

The New York Times - Tech

Mr. Dassinger, pleased that students are hitting roadblocks like that, said, "It teaches them real-life situations".

The New York Times

Any promising new initiative — a stand-alone business venture or an innovation in an established organization — hits roadblocks and unexpected obstacles.

Harvard Business Review

Even background checks are hitting roadblocks.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hit roadblocks" to describe unexpected obstacles that impede progress. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "hit roadblocks" is a common idiom, overuse can make your writing sound uninspired. Vary your language by using synonyms like "encounter obstacles" or "face difficulties" to add nuance and freshness to your expression.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic expression "hit roadblocks" functions as a verb phrase within a sentence, indicating that a subject (person, project, organization) has encountered obstacles that are hindering progress. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hit roadblocks" is a common and grammatically correct idiom used to describe encountering obstacles that impede progress. Ludwig AI's analysis shows that it's most frequently used in News & Media, but also appears in academic and business contexts. Alternatives include "encounter obstacles" or "face difficulties". While widely accepted, be mindful of overuse and consider varying your language for more impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encounter obstacles

Focuses on the act of meeting obstacles, a more general term.

face difficulties

Highlights the experience of dealing with problems.

meet with setbacks

Emphasizes the experience of delays or reversals in progress.

run into problems

Suggests unexpected difficulties.

experience hurdles

Implies challenges that need to be overcome.

confront challenges

Highlights facing demanding tasks.

navigate obstacles

Suggests maneuvering around difficulties.

contend with difficulties

Implies actively struggling against problems.

face impediments

Focuses on things that slow down progress.

meet resistance

Highlights opposition or friction encountered.

FAQs

What does "hit roadblocks" mean?

The phrase "hit roadblocks" means to encounter unexpected problems or obstacles that hinder progress on a task or project.

How can I use "hit roadblocks" in a sentence?

You can use "hit roadblocks" to describe situations where progress is unexpectedly hampered. For example: "The project "hit roadblocks" due to unforeseen regulatory issues."

What are some alternatives to saying "hit roadblocks"?

Alternatives to "hit roadblocks" include "encounter obstacles", "face difficulties", or "run into problems". These phrases all convey the idea of facing unexpected challenges.

Is it correct to say "hitting roadblocks"?

Yes, "hitting roadblocks" is a correct and commonly used variation of "hit roadblocks", often used to describe an ongoing or repeated experience of encountering obstacles. Example: "We are "hitting roadblocks" in our efforts to expand into new markets."