like a bottleneck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like a bottleneck" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where progress is slowed down or hindered due to a specific point of congestion or limitation. Example: "The project's timeline was delayed significantly, as the approval process became like a bottleneck, preventing any further development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I guess for the outside world it may seem like a bottleneck.

TechCrunch

It is sensitive to demographic changes such that events like a bottleneck are expected to reduce allelic richness across all loci, whereas selection is expected to affect allelic richness at only one or a few loci.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"When you see a bottleneck like that," he said, "you see a real opportunity".

The New York Times

"We're trying to become a job exchange without becoming a bottleneck like Futurestep," says HotJobs Chief Executive Richard Johnson.

Forbes

It is a clear sign that Intrusion Detection is facing Big Data challenges when a mainstream technology like relational databases becomes a bottleneck.

Journal of Big Data

Thus, a genealogy of a sample from a single deme may look like a bottlenecked genealogy (rapid initial coalescence "during the bottleneck," followed by slow coalescence of the remaining lineages that "survived the bottleneck").

Genetics

From a genetics point of view, breeding can be regarded as a genetic diversity reduction event much like a population bottleneck.

BMC Genomics

Originally meant for running freight trains, the High Line now runs people, except where those people jam together like spawning salmon crammed in a bottleneck.

The New York Times

The expression of complex proteins in a functional state in well-established easy-to-use hosts like Escherichia coli and yeast is often a bottleneck.

Plosone

Purification of virus-like particles (VLPs) in bind-and-elute mode has reached a bottleneck.

Journal of Chromatography A

The availability of alternative electron acceptors like Fe3 + and Mn4 + may form a bottleneck to anaerobic SOM mineralization and thereby NH4+-release in flooded paddy soils.

Geoderma

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "like a bottleneck" to vividly illustrate points of congestion, delays, or limitations in a process or system.

Common error

Avoid using "like a bottleneck" when the slowdown isn't due to a specific point of congestion, but rather general inefficiency or lack of resources.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like a bottleneck" functions as a simile, drawing a comparison to highlight a point of congestion or restriction within a system or process. As Ludwig AI states, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in both technical and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "like a bottleneck" is a simile used to describe something that restricts or slows down progress, creating a point of congestion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various writing contexts. While versatile, its frequency is uncommon. Best practices involve using it to vividly illustrate limitations, while avoiding its use when the issue isn't a specific point of congestion. Alternatives such as "resembling a choke point" or "akin to a constraint" may be more appropriate in certain situations. The phrase appears across various contexts, but is most common in News & Media and Science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resembling a choke point

Emphasizes the restriction or narrowing of a passage, similar to a bottleneck in controlling flow.

akin to a constraint

Highlights the limiting aspect, focusing on restriction rather than physical congestion.

similar to an impediment

Focuses on the hindrance or obstacle that slows down progress.

comparable to an obstruction

Highlights the blockage aspect, focusing on something that prevents movement or progress.

reminiscent of a blockage

Similar to obstruction but can imply a complete stop, depending on context.

analogous to a constriction

Implies a narrowing or squeezing, reducing the flow or passage.

akin to a snag

More informal, suggests a small unexpected problem that causes a delay.

much like a hurdle

Implies a challenge to be overcome, a barrier that must be cleared.

resembling a logjam

Suggests a large accumulation that obstructs progress, often in a chaotic way.

comparable to a traffic jam

Highlights the congestion and slow movement, primarily associated with vehicles or people.

FAQs

How can I use "like a bottleneck" in a sentence?

Use "like a bottleneck" to describe a situation where a particular point or stage is causing delays or restricting overall progress. For example, "The approval process was "similar to a constraint", holding up the entire project."

What are some alternatives to "like a bottleneck"?

Alternatives include "resembling a choke point", "akin to a constraint", or "similar to an impediment". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "acting like a bottleneck"?

Yes, using "acting like a bottleneck" is grammatically correct and conveys the idea that something is behaving in a way that restricts or slows down progress, "comparable to an obstruction".

What is the difference between "bottleneck" and "like a bottleneck"?

"Bottleneck" is a noun that directly names the point of congestion. "Like a bottleneck" is a simile, comparing something to a bottleneck to emphasize its restrictive effect. The simile is less direct and "akin to a snag".