main obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main obstacle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the primary challenge or difficulty faced in a particular situation or context. Example: "The main obstacle to completing the project on time is the lack of resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The main obstacle is price.

The Economist

Again, the main obstacle is politics.

The Economist

But the main obstacle is market concentration.

The Economist

The main obstacle to action was profit.

The Guardian

"Our main obstacle has always been price," concedes Warrillow.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Interrogators understand that their main obstacle is a suspect's silence.

The New York Times

The main obstacle, Mr. Baitty said, is cost.

The New York Times

The main obstacle is acquiring sufficient land and funding.

The Guardian

Money was the main obstacle: "How much will it cost?

The Guardian - Sport

The main obstacle is worrying that you can't do it.

The Guardian - Travel

The main obstacle, it seems, is working out how.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "main obstacle", ensure it clearly identifies the most significant barrier, not just a contributing factor. Use it to signal the primary challenge that needs addressing.

Common error

Avoid using "main obstacle" for minor inconveniences or setbacks. Reserve it for the most critical and impactful impediment to progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main obstacle" functions as a noun phrase identifying the most significant impediment or challenge in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "main obstacle" is a versatile and frequently used expression to denote the most significant challenge or impediment in a given situation. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business domains. While alternatives like "primary impediment" or "chief difficulty" exist, "main obstacle" remains a clear and effective choice. Remember to reserve it for the most impactful challenges and avoid overstating minor setbacks. The phrase serves to focus attention on the key issue requiring resolution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary impediment

Replaces "obstacle" with "impediment", indicating a hindrance or obstruction.

chief difficulty

Substitutes "main obstacle" with "chief difficulty", emphasizing the most significant problem.

principal challenge

Replaces "obstacle" with "challenge", focusing on the difficulty that needs to be overcome.

major stumbling block

Uses the idiomatic expression "stumbling block" to convey a significant barrier.

key hurdle

Replaces "obstacle" with "hurdle", highlighting a barrier that must be overcome.

central problem

Focuses on the problem aspect of the obstacle, indicating it is the most important one.

critical bottleneck

Uses "bottleneck" to emphasize a point of congestion or blockage.

foremost barrier

Emphasizes the obstructive nature of the obstacle, describing it as the most important barrier.

biggest impediment

Similar to "primary impediment" but uses "biggest" for emphasis.

greatest challenge

Similar to "principal challenge" but replaces "principal" with "greatest" for more emphasis.

FAQs

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

Use "main obstacle" to pinpoint the most significant challenge preventing progress. For example, "The "main obstacle" to completing the project is securing funding".

What are some alternatives to saying "main obstacle"?

Consider alternatives such as "primary impediment", "chief difficulty", or "principal challenge" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "main obstacle" or "major obstacle"?

Both "main obstacle" and "major obstacle" are acceptable. "Main obstacle" suggests it is the single most important impediment, while "major obstacle" indicates a significant but perhaps not singular challenge.

What's the difference between a "main obstacle" and a "minor obstacle"?

A "main obstacle" is the primary hindrance preventing progress, whereas a "minor obstacle" is a less significant challenge that can be overcome more easily or has a smaller impact.