major hurdle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major hurdle" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a significant challenge or obstacle that stands in the way of achieving a particular goal. For example, "Getting the project approved by the board of directors is a major hurdle we must overcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The last major hurdle?

The Guardian - Sport

Packaging presented a major hurdle.

MIT Technology Review

The major hurdle: the cost.

The Washington Post

But there was a major hurdle.

The New York Times

Transparency also remains a major hurdle.

The Guardian

Battery life also presents a major hurdle.

The Guardian

A major hurdle for student entrepreneurs is time.

Yale University

At under $500, it will remove a major hurdle.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

However compatibility of chemical and biopesticide is the major hurdle.

Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology

Cost is the major hurdle for mass adoption of LEDs.

The New York Times

It turned out to be a major hurdle.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "major hurdle" when you want to emphasize that a specific obstacle is significant and needs to be addressed directly to achieve a goal. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While versatile, consider using more casual alternatives like "big challenge" or "tough problem" in informal conversations or writing to avoid sounding overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major hurdle" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies and emphasizes a significant obstacle or challenge, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "major hurdle" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies a substantial obstacle or challenge. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical structure is correct and the phrase is suitable for various contexts. It appears most frequently in news and media, scientific articles, and formal business communications. While versatile, it’s important to consider the formality of the situation and use more casual alternatives when appropriate. By understanding its function, purpose, and common usage, writers can effectively incorporate "major hurdle" into their work to emphasize significant challenges. It is an excellent example of how careful word choice contributes to precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant obstacle

Replaces "hurdle" with "obstacle", maintaining the same level of formality and meaning.

key challenge

Substitutes "hurdle" with "challenge", emphasizing the difficulty involved.

primary impediment

Uses a more formal term, "impediment", to denote a hindrance.

chief obstacle

Replaces "major" with "chief", highlighting the importance of the obstacle.

principal challenge

Similar to "key challenge", but uses "principal" for emphasis.

main stumbling block

Employs a more idiomatic expression, "stumbling block", to suggest something that causes one to falter.

formidable barrier

Highlights the difficulty and strength of the obstacle.

serious difficulty

Uses a more general term, "difficulty", to indicate a problem.

considerable problem

Focuses on the scale of the issue.

significant roadblock

Employs the metaphor of a "roadblock" to convey obstruction.

FAQs

How can I use "major hurdle" in a sentence?

You can use "major hurdle" to describe a significant obstacle that needs to be overcome. For example, "Cost is a "major hurdle" for mass adoption of LEDs."

What are some alternatives to "major hurdle"?

Alternatives include "significant obstacle", "key challenge", or "primary impediment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "major hurdle" or "big challenge"?

"Major hurdle" is generally more formal than "big challenge". Choose "major hurdle" for professional or academic writing, and "big challenge" for informal conversations or writing.

What makes something a "major hurdle" rather than just a "hurdle"?

The adjective "major" emphasizes the significance, size, or impact of the obstacle. A "major hurdle" is a particularly important or difficult challenge compared to a regular "hurdle".