key obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key obstacle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a significant barrier or challenge that hinders progress in a particular situation or context. Example: "The key obstacle to achieving our goals is the lack of funding for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Another key obstacle has been the position of the US.

The Guardian

"The key obstacle," says Wood, "is transferring the skills.

The Guardian

This removed a key obstacle to further, more ambitious attacks.

The Guardian

Palestinians see such construction as a key obstacle to statehood.

The Washington Post

So far, Russia has been a key obstacle to ending the suffering in Syria.

The Guardian - Opinion

On-field communication aside, his key obstacle to the number 15 jersey is Karmichael Hunt.

The Guardian - Sport

In 2012, Jeffrey Sachs said a lack of funding was a key obstacle to progress.

The Guardian

For multinational companies, language barriers are a key obstacle to social business.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The key obstacle to a strong recovery right now is tight credit".

The New York Times

The absence of a functioning public administration to enforce rules was also a key obstacle.

The New York Times

The Cambodian settlement removed a key obstacle to normalizing relations with China, Japan, and Europe.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "key obstacle", ensure that you clearly define what the obstacle is and why it is significant in the given context. This provides clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "key obstacle" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for truly significant impediments that substantially hinder progress or success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key obstacle" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies and highlights a significant impediment or barrier. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples where "key obstacle" is used to pinpoint crucial challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "key obstacle" is a versatile and frequently used noun phrase that denotes a significant impediment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It appears most commonly in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by defining the obstacle and its impact. While alternatives like "main impediment" or "primary challenge" exist, "key obstacle" effectively highlights the centrality of a problem. Avoid overuse for minor inconveniences to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main impediment

Replaces "key" with "main" and "obstacle" with "impediment", both conveying a similar sense of importance and obstruction.

major stumbling block

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate a significant difficulty or problem.

primary challenge

Focuses on the difficulty as a challenge rather than an obstruction.

chief difficulty

Emphasizes the principal nature of the problem.

principal barrier

Highlights the obstruction aspect, using "principal" for emphasis.

central hurdle

Conveys the idea of something that must be overcome, using "central" to denote importance.

critical bottleneck

Identifies the obstruction as a point of congestion or blockage.

biggest problem

A more straightforward way of expressing a significant issue.

foremost concern

Shifts the focus to a matter of great importance or worry.

major constraint

Highlights the restrictive nature of the difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "key obstacle" in a sentence?

You can use "key obstacle" to describe a significant barrier preventing progress, such as "The "key obstacle" to the project's completion is funding".

What are some alternatives to "key obstacle"?

Alternatives include "main impediment", "major stumbling block", or "primary challenge", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "key obstacle" or "major obstacle"?

Both "key obstacle" and "major obstacle" are acceptable. "Key" emphasizes centrality or importance, while "major" emphasizes size or impact. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between a "key obstacle" and a "minor inconvenience"?

A "key obstacle" represents a significant impediment that seriously hinders progress or success, whereas a "minor inconvenience" is a small, easily manageable issue that causes slight delay or annoyance but does not substantially affect the overall outcome.