imposes obstacles on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "imposes obstacles on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing challenges or barriers that hinder progress or actions in various contexts. Example: "The new regulations impose obstacles on small businesses trying to compete in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

HB 2 imposes obstacles on abortion clinics by requiring that they invest in expensive building upgrades to meet the more stringent standards of ambulatory surgical centers, or mini-hospitals.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

They tried to impose obstacles on us, like we couldn't work in the Plaza de Santa Cruz anymore, this is where all children started working from eight years old, all children were arrested and put into jail.

The Guardian

But differences in dialect and culture often imposed obstacles to the recognition of tribal solidarity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But he has a more imposing obstacle to clear on Friday in the form of the versatile Roger Federer.

The New York Times - Sports

Riding high on their title win achieved under Ron Saunders, the club cleared a number of imposing obstacles along their way to the ultimate European glory.

The Guardian - Sport

But several imposing obstacles could block unification efforts, including the recent debt incurred by Wendover.

The New York Times

Maybe, but his path is rutted with a passel of imposing obstacles.

Forbes

But too many Arab governments impose obstacles, especially by curtailing civil rights.

Los Angeles Times

Chromatin structure imposes significant obstacles on all aspects of transcription, from initiation to elongation.

EMBO Journal

Mr. Assad spoke as the Syrian authorities imposed new obstacles on international efforts to transport emergency aid to civilians trapped in rebel-held areas.

The New York Times

But Khartoum's dominant National Congress Party has already tried to steal the vote by imposing impossible obstacles on non-Arab voters.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "imposes obstacles on", ensure the subject clearly identifies who or what is creating the obstacles, and the object specifies who or what is being hindered.

Common error

Avoid using "imposes obstacles on" without a clear subject. Ensure the sentence explicitly states who or what is creating the obstacles to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "imposes obstacles on" functions as a transitive verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is used to describe the action of creating or placing difficulties that hinder or obstruct someone or something. It requires both a subject (the imposer) and an object (what is being obstructed).

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "imposes obstacles on" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that describes the act of creating or placing difficulties that hinder progress or action. According to Ludwig AI, it commonly appears in news, media and scientific contexts. While neutral in register, its usage implies criticism or concern and requires a clear subject and object for clarity. When writing, ensure you clearly identify who is creating the obstacles and who is being affected. Alternatives such as "creates barriers for" or "presents challenges to" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

creates barriers for

Focuses on the act of barrier creation, rather than the imposition of obstacles.

presents challenges to

Emphasizes the difficulty and challenges arising from a situation.

places hurdles before

Uses a metaphor of hurdles to represent obstacles.

erects impediments to

Employs more formal vocabulary to describe the creation of obstacles.

sets limitations on

Highlights the restriction or limitation aspect of obstacles.

obstructs the progress of

Specifically targets the hindering of progress.

hinders the advancement of

Similar to obstructing, but focuses on preventing advancement.

complicates matters for

Indicates that something is made more complex or difficult.

introduces difficulties for

Highlights the introduction of new challenges or problems.

establishes constraints upon

Focuses on the establishment of limiting factors or constraints.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "imposes obstacles on" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "erects impediments to" or "establishes constraints upon" which offer a more sophisticated vocabulary.

What are some common synonyms for "imposes obstacles on"?

Common synonyms include "creates barriers for", "presents challenges to", and "places hurdles before", each emphasizing different aspects of hindrance.

How do I use "imposes obstacles on" in a sentence?

Use "imposes obstacles on" to describe a situation where someone or something creates difficulties or hindrances for another. For instance, "The new regulations impose obstacles on small businesses".

Is there a difference between "imposes obstacles on" and "creates barriers for"?

While similar, "imposes obstacles on" suggests a more deliberate act of placing difficulties, while "creates barriers for" can imply a less intentional or more structural impediment.