material obstruction of vision

USAGE SUMMARY

'material obstruction of vision' is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to an actual physical object, such as a structure, that is blocking your view. For example: "The tall building was a material obstruction of vision, making it difficult to see the valley beyond."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The latest refinement to the law clarifies the obstruction rule by re-defining it as "clearly obstructing the line of vision or movement or challenging an opponent for the ball".

The Guardian - Sport

Having Melendez sing and record original material was the vision of Aurora Weston.

Huffington Post

Critics voiced dismay at the deal, which they said amounted to a fleecing of American taxpayers over material that incriminated Mr. Nixon in obstruction of justice and a variety of other crimes.

The New York Times

In addition to the murder conspiracy charges, Mr. Zea faces charges of trying to provide material support to terrorists and obstruction of justice.

The New York Times

This is the obstruction-of-justice question.

The New Yorker

If the central retinal artery that supplies blood to the inner retina is affected, loss of vision is profound and sudden and, unless the obstruction can be relieved right away, permanent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

BRAO refers to an obstruction or blockage of one or multiple branch retinal arteries resulting in a severe loss of vision, the area and degree of which is associated with the distribution of the occluded branch retinal artery.

BMC Ophthalmology

Incidents of vision loss, extraocular muscle dysfunction (3rd/6th cranial nerve palsy), neuroparalytic keratitis, lacrimal drainage obstruction, and keratitis sicca following these procedures have been reported [ 1, 4- 6].

BMC Ophthalmology

By Rachel Louise Snyder March 14 , 2018Noor Salman, the wife of Omar Mateen, was indicted on counts of obstruction of justice and providing material support to a terrorist organization.

The New Yorker

She was indicted on two counts: obstruction of justice, and providing material support to a terrorist organization — in this case, ISIS.

The New Yorker

No range of vision.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing scenarios where sight is blocked by an object, clearly identify the "material obstruction of vision" and its impact on the ability to see what's behind it. For example, 'The dense fog acted as a material obstruction of vision, making navigation difficult.'

Common error

Avoid using "material obstruction of vision" to describe abstract hindrances to understanding or progress. This phrase specifically refers to physical objects blocking sight, not conceptual obstacles. For abstract concepts, use phrases like 'lack of clarity' or 'conceptual barrier'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "material obstruction of vision" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It serves to identify a specific type of obstacle—one that is physical and directly hinders the ability to see. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a valid and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "material obstruction of vision" is a valid noun phrase used to describe a physical object blocking one's ability to see. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, example usage is currently limited, suggesting it may not be a highly frequent expression. The phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for neutral contexts where precise description is important. Related phrases include ""visual barrier"" and "obstructed view". It's important to use this phrase when referring to actual, physical obstructions and avoid using it metaphorically.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

physical visual block

Highlights both the physicality of the blockage and its effect on vision.

visual barrier

Focuses on the barrier aspect rather than the material composition and the impact on vision.

sight obstruction

A more concise version focusing on the obstruction of sight in general.

visibility impairment

Highlights the result of obstruction—reduced visibility—rather than the cause.

obstructed view

Emphasizes the state of being obstructed but does not specify the nature of the obstruction.

line-of-sight blockage

More technical, emphasizing direct visual access being blocked.

impeded sight

A more general term for vision being hindered, without necessarily specifying a physical obstruction.

vision obscured

Similar to 'obstructed view' but uses a different verb.

visual hindrance

Indicates something that holds back or prevents clear vision.

visual impediment

Indicates something that hinders or obstructs vision, similar to "visual hindrance".

FAQs

How can I use "material obstruction of vision" in a sentence?

You can use "material obstruction of vision" to describe a physical object that blocks someone's sight. For example, "The building created a significant "visual barrier"".

What can I say instead of "material obstruction of vision"?

Alternatives include "obstructed view", "visibility impairment", or ""visual barrier"", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "material obstruction of vision" in a metaphorical sense?

No, "material obstruction of vision" typically refers to a physical blockage. For metaphorical situations, use terms like "conceptual barrier" or "lack of clarity".

What's the difference between "material obstruction of vision" and "obstructed view"?

"Material obstruction of vision" specifically identifies the obstruction as a physical object, while "obstructed view" simply describes the state of vision being blocked, without specifying the cause.