hurdle to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hurdle to be" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express an obstacle that needs to be overcome, but the phrasing is awkward and unclear. Example: "The main hurdle to be addressed in this project is the lack of funding."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

THE first hurdle to be surmounted on Turkey's journey to Europe may well be Cyprus.

The Economist

That environment isn't just a hurdle to be overcome, though, it's an asset, too.

The New York Times

The deadline Thursday is the most important remaining hurdle to be cleared for Greece to receive the funds.

The New York Times

But even if the legislature answers the question in the affirmative, there is still another hurdle to be negotiated.

The New York Times

Assume, then, that the non-winner can lay this aside, there is a yet third hurdle to be scrambled over.

The Guardian - Books

The next hurdle to be overcome, Sivaram said, is "value deflation," an ironic side effect of the rapid growth and plunging costs in the industry.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Confession: the biggest hurdle to being successful in two realms is the temptation to multi-task.

Huffington Post

And there are other hurdles to be overcome.

The Guardian

But there are some major hurdles to be cleared.

The New York Times

Hurdles to be overcome to achieve this goal are also discussed.

Composites Part B: Engineering

But there were several hurdles to be crossed before the visit to England could be realized.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for clearer and more direct phrasing like "obstacle to overcome" or "challenge to address" to improve readability and impact.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "hurdle to be" in formal writing. It often sounds unnatural; instead, choose a more concise expression, such as "obstacle to overcome".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hurdle to be" functions as a nominal phrase identifying something that requires resolution or overcoming. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrasing, while present, can be improved for better clarity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

33%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "hurdle to be" is found in various sources, including news and academic contexts, it's considered grammatically awkward. Ludwig AI notes that it is not a standard English expression. Opting for alternatives like "obstacle to overcome", "challenge to address", or simply using "obstacle" can enhance clarity and precision. While the phrase is relatively common, choosing more direct language can improve your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obstacle to overcome

Replaces "hurdle" with "obstacle" and restructures the phrase for better flow.

challenge to address

Substitutes "hurdle" with "challenge" and uses "address" for a more direct approach.

difficulty to surmount

Employs more formal vocabulary to convey the sense of overcoming a problem.

impediment to resolve

Uses "impediment" to describe the obstacle and "resolve" to suggest a solution.

issue to tackle

Replaces "hurdle" with "issue" and uses "tackle" to indicate a proactive approach.

problem to solve

Offers a straightforward alternative, focusing on the act of finding a solution.

task to complete

Frames the hurdle as a task, emphasizing the need for completion.

requirement to fulfill

Highlights the mandatory nature of overcoming the hurdle.

criterion to meet

Presents the hurdle as a standard that must be satisfied.

prerequisite to satisfy

Emphasizes that the hurdle is a necessary condition for further progress.

FAQs

What's a better way to say "hurdle to be"?

Consider using alternatives like "obstacle to overcome", "challenge to address", or "difficulty to surmount" for improved clarity and flow.

Is "hurdle to be" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "hurdle to be" is considered grammatically awkward. More standard phrasing would be "hurdle to overcome" or simply "obstacle".

How can I use "obstacle to overcome" instead of "hurdle to be"?

Instead of saying, "The first hurdle to be surmounted...", try "The primary obstacle to overcome is..." This provides a more direct and grammatically sound sentence.

When is it appropriate to use "hurdle to be"?

Although "hurdle to be" appears in various sources, it's advisable to use it sparingly, if at all, in formal or professional writing. Opt for clearer alternatives like "challenge" or "obstacle" for better impact.