just one hurdle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just one hurdle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a single obstacle or challenge that needs to be overcome in a situation or process. Example: "We have faced many challenges during this project, but now we are down to just one hurdle before completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

But bad weather is just one hurdle.

The New York Times

However, getting legislation passed is just one hurdle to improving the lives of women.

The Guardian

He said: "I've done well to blag things as well as I have up till now, but unfortunately I think this is just one hurdle too far.

The Guardian

"I've done well to blag things as well as I have up till now, but unfortunately I think this is just one hurdle too far".

The Guardian

There is just one hurdle he has to jump: it turns out that writing mind-blowing music is as hard as inventing an instrument.

The Guardian - Music

Our research findings suggest that access to foreign data is most helpful when the country stealing it is "almost there" — when it faces just one hurdle or a small number of problems in catching up with a particular technology.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Only one hurdle remained.

The Guardian - Music

The opponents are only one hurdle.

The New York Times

There was only one hurdle: the negotiations.

Huffington Post

He encountered only one hurdle: Finding a publisher.

Huffington Post

Ageism is just one more hurdle.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just one hurdle" to indicate the final or most significant challenge remaining in a process or project. It emphasizes that despite previous difficulties, only one obstacle stands in the way of success.

Common error

Avoid using "just one hurdle" when the remaining challenge is substantial or complex. The phrase implies a relatively minor obstacle, so ensure it accurately reflects the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just one hurdle" functions as a noun phrase that modifies an implied verb such as 'remains' or 'to overcome'. It identifies a singular obstacle standing in the way of achieving a goal. Ludwig AI shows its usability across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "just one hurdle" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that only a single obstacle remains before achieving a goal. Ludwig AI confirms this. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for professional communication. Alternatives include "only one obstacle" or "a single challenge". While effective, ensure the scale of the remaining challenge is accurately represented, as the phrase implies a relatively minor obstacle.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only one obstacle

Replaces "hurdle" with a more general term, focusing on the obstruction aspect.

a single challenge

Substitutes "hurdle" with "challenge", emphasizing the effort required.

the final obstacle

Highlights the sequential aspect, indicating it's the last in a series.

one remaining task

Shifts the focus to the completion aspect, framing it as a final task.

the last challenge

Emphasizes that it is the last difficulty that needs overcoming.

one final step

Focuses on the progress-oriented nature of overcoming the challenge.

one last impediment

Replaces "hurdle" with a more formal word, "impediment", signifying a hindrance.

the only stumbling block

Uses a metaphor to describe the obstacle as something that could cause a mistake or failure.

simply one difficulty

Highlights the fact there is difficulty, but it is not a huge one.

a minor setback

Downplays the hurdle, suggesting it's not a major issue.

FAQs

How can I use "just one hurdle" in a sentence?

You can use "just one hurdle" to indicate that there is only one remaining obstacle before achieving a goal. For example, "We have faced many challenges, but now there's "just one hurdle" left to overcome".

What are some alternatives to "just one hurdle"?

Alternatives include "only one obstacle", "a single challenge", or "the final obstacle". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "just one hurdle" or "only one hurdle"?

Both "just one hurdle" and "only one hurdle" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Just" may add a slight emphasis on the limited number of obstacles remaining.

What does it mean when someone says there's "just one hurdle"?

It means that after overcoming previous difficulties, there's "just one hurdle" left to clear before reaching the desired outcome. It suggests the end is near, but effort is still required.