in the way of

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the way of" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to talk about something that is involved or connected with something else. For example: "We have many different activities in the way of entertainment for our guests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You're getting in the way of that".

The New Yorker

He gets in the way of nesting.

The New York Times

Secrecy stood in the way of accuracy.

The New Yorker

What gets in the way of compassion?

University of California, Berkeley

What Gets in the Way of Gratitude?

University of California, Berkeley

There's nothing in the way of spectacle.

Independent

I'm getting in the way of that.

The New York Times

Nothing in the way of facilities.

The Guardian - Music

Financial incentives also stood in the way of reform.

Columbia University

Explore what gets in the way of gratitude.

University of California, Berkeley

What Stands in the Way of Bedside Teaching?

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the way of" to describe obstacles or hindrances, but consider stronger verbs like 'obstruct' or 'impede' for more impactful writing. Sometimes a more direct verb can make your writing more concise and powerful.

Common error

While "in the way of" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound verbose. In formal writing, replace it with more direct and concise alternatives like 'obstructing' or 'hindering' for improved clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the way of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It can describe something that obstructs or hinders progress, or it can indicate the aspect or area being considered. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

35%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the way of" is a versatile prepositional phrase with two primary meanings: to obstruct or hinder, and to specify an aspect or area being considered. Ludwig confirms it is a correct expression in English. Its frequent use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia, suggests its broad applicability. When writing, consider whether stronger verbs might provide more impact, and avoid overuse in formal contexts to maintain clarity and conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

standing in the path of

Emphasizes a direct physical or metaphorical obstruction.

obstructing

Focuses on the action of blocking or impeding something.

hindering

Emphasizes the act of making it difficult for something to progress.

impeding

Highlights the slowing down or preventing of movement or progress.

getting in the road of

Informal way of saying blocking someone's progress.

blocking

Stresses a complete obstruction or barrier.

preventing

Highlights the action of stopping something from happening.

inhibiting

Focuses on restraining or suppressing something.

in terms of

Emphasizes providing something.

as regards

Emphasizes respect to something.

FAQs

How can I use "in the way of" in a sentence?

You can use "in the way of" to indicate an obstruction or something that hinders progress, for example: "Bureaucracy is often in the way of innovation". Alternatively, it can mean 'in terms of', as in: "They offered little in the way of assistance".

What are some alternatives to "in the way of"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "in the way of" with alternatives like "obstructing", "hindering", or "impeding" when referring to an obstacle. When referring to the provision of something, consider "in terms of".

Is it better to say "in the way of" or "standing in the path of"?

Both "in the way of" and "standing in the path of" are correct, but "standing in the path of" often implies a more direct or physical obstruction, while "in the way of" can be more abstract.

What does "getting in the way of" mean?

Getting in the way of is an idiomatic expression meaning to obstruct or hinder someone or something. It's similar to "in the way of" but often used in a more informal context.