major obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

"major obstacle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a large barrier or hindrance that needs to be overcome. For example: "Securing funding was the major obstacle to setting up the charity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even stairs are a major obstacle.

The New York Times

The one major obstacle is money.

The New York Times

"The major obstacle wasn't technical.

The New York Times

A major obstacle is Mosul.

The New Yorker

The writing is a major obstacle.

The New York Times - Books

The US remains the major obstacle.

The Guardian - Business

Webster, however, has encountered another major obstacle.

The Washington Post

But there was a major obstacle: Syria's support for Hezbollah.

The New Yorker

The Drava River was certainly a major obstacle.

The Guardian

Laurent Kabila was a major obstacle to peace in Congo.

The New York Times

The other major obstacle, Dr. Bull said, is its size.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "major obstacle", ensure the context clearly defines what the obstacle is and why it's significant. Be specific to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "major obstacle" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations where the obstacle genuinely poses a significant threat to progress or success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major obstacle" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a significant impediment or barrier. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It often serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence, highlighting the importance of the obstacle.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "major obstacle" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a significant impediment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. It is particularly prevalent in news and media, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines the obstacle and its importance. While alternatives like "significant impediment" or "key challenge" exist, "major obstacle" offers a direct and impactful way to highlight significant barriers. Remember to reserve it for situations that genuinely pose substantial difficulties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant impediment

Replaces "obstacle" with "impediment", implying a hindering effect.

serious barrier

Replaces "obstacle" with "barrier", highlighting a physical or metaphorical obstruction.

key challenge

Substitutes "obstacle" with "challenge", framing it as something to be overcome.

formidable challenge

Adds emphasis by using "formidable" to describe the challenge.

primary difficulty

Replaces "obstacle" with "difficulty", focusing on the problematic aspect.

chief hindrance

Uses "hindrance" instead of "obstacle", suggesting something that delays or prevents progress.

substantial hurdle

Uses "hurdle" to represent an obstacle that needs to be jumped over.

main stumbling block

Employs the idiom "stumbling block" to denote a significant problem.

significant barrier to entry

Specifically indicates an obstacle preventing entry or participation.

critical issue

Shifts the focus to the problematic nature of the situation.

FAQs

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

Use "major obstacle" to describe a significant barrier hindering progress. For example, "Lack of funding is a major obstacle to completing the project".

What are some alternatives to "major obstacle"?

You can use alternatives like "significant impediment", "key challenge", or "primary difficulty" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "major obstacle" in formal writing?

Yes, "major obstacle" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to describe a significant barrier.

What is the difference between "major obstacle" and "minor obstacle"?

"Major obstacle" refers to a significant impediment that seriously hinders progress, while "minor obstacle" refers to a small inconvenience that can be easily overcome.