is obstructing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is obstructing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that is hindering or blocking something from happening or progressing. Example: "The fallen tree is obstructing the road, making it difficult for vehicles to pass."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We consider that that is obstructing this inquiry".

The Guardian

The amendment is obstructing Russia's entry to the World Trade Organization.

The New York Times

This has been corrected – the charge is obstructing a public official.

The Guardian

It is the Democratic chairwoman, Ellen L. Weintraub, who is obstructing such a discussion.

The New York Times

Evidence is mounting, however, that inequality itself is obstructing Americans' shot at a better life.

The New York Times

It claims, as does the Obama administration, that such a policy is obstructing the peace process.

The New York Times

The proliferation of communications technology, particularly satellites, is obstructing radio astronomy.

The New York Times - Science

"It is possible that the neighbor might not even be aware that he is obstructing Mr. Smith's view".

The New York Times

"This is obstructing traffic and adding to the commotion," said P. Sadanandam, who commutes through the road regularly.

The New York Times

The lawsuit alleges that the association is obstructing brokers who use the Internet to offer lower costs to consumers.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, the Bush administration is obstructing the agreement with an unreasonable demand that would severely weaken the accord.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is obstructing", ensure the sentence clearly identifies what is being obstructed and what is causing the obstruction for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid vague statements where the cause of the obstruction isn't clear. Be specific about what entity or action is creating the obstruction to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is obstructing" functions as a verb phrase in the present continuous tense. It indicates an ongoing action of hindering or blocking something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Huffington Post

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is obstructing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes an ongoing action of hindering or blocking something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely applicable across various contexts, including news, science, and general conversation. When using this phrase, it's crucial to clearly identify both the obstruction and its cause. While alternatives like "is hindering" or "is blocking" exist, "is obstructing" offers a versatile and direct way to express the idea of impeding progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is hindering

This alternative emphasizes the act of delaying or impeding progress.

is blocking

This alternative suggests a complete prevention of movement or progress.

is impeding

This alternative implies a more gradual slowing down or obstruction.

is hampering

This alternative suggests making an action more difficult.

is thwarting

This alternative means to prevent someone from accomplishing something.

is preventing

This alternative focuses on stopping something from happening altogether.

is curtailing

This alternative refers to reducing or restricting something.

is inhibiting

This alternative implies restraining or preventing an action or process.

is slowing down

This alternative emphasizes the reduction in speed or progress.

is getting in the way of

This alternative is more informal and emphasizes physical or metaphorical obstruction.

FAQs

How can I use "is obstructing" in a sentence?

You can use "is obstructing" to describe something that is blocking or hindering progress, such as "The fallen tree "is obstructing" the road" or "The new policy "is obstructing" innovation".

What are some alternatives to "is obstructing"?

Alternatives to "is obstructing" include phrases like "is hindering", "is blocking", or "is impeding", which all convey similar meanings of preventing or delaying progress.

Is there a difference between "is obstructing" and "is blocking"?

While both phrases are similar, ""is obstructing"" often implies a partial or temporary blockage, whereas "is blocking" can suggest a complete prevention of movement or progress. The choice depends on the specific context.

Which is correct, "is obstructing" or "obstructs"?

Both ""is obstructing"" and "obstructs" can be correct, depending on the tense and subject of the sentence. "Is obstructing" is used in the present continuous tense (e.g., "The barrier is obstructing traffic"), while "obstructs" is used in the simple present tense (e.g., "The barrier obstructs traffic").