meet an obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meet an obstacle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone encounters a challenge or difficulty while trying to achieve a goal. Example: "During the project, we met an obstacle that delayed our progress significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Will she ever meet an obstacle to her rapacious desires?

The Guardian - Books

When they meet an obstacle, they overcome it by dying in enormous numbers.

The New Yorker

Whenever we meet an obstacle, Nelson's there to find a way around.

The Guardian

The next time you meet an obstacle on your way to becoming your best self, don't get sidetracked.

Forbes

It usually pops out when we find ourselves in the midst of frustration; in that type of circumstance we've all encountered where at every turn you meet an obstacle -- where, despite your best efforts, you feel like Sisyphus pushing his rock up the mountain in vain.

Huffington Post

If at any time you get discouraged or meet an obstacle, be sure to review what you wrote and you will regain your enthusiasm and motivation.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Huygens's principle becomes necessary when a wave meets an obstacle or an aperture in an otherwise opaque surface.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The infant community met an obstacle in the royal court of Naples, which tried to exercise complete control over the order.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A school of e-fish will, for example, generally split into two when it meets an obstacle, and then rejoin on the other side, just as a real school would.

The Economist

Every time a sound wave meets an obstacle, part of the energy that it carries is absorbed by the obstacle.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

Sometimes external limits were imposed on them, sometimes they met an obstacle in their own character.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "meet an obstacle", consider the context to ensure the obstacle is significant enough to warrant the phrase. For minor difficulties, consider alternatives like "hit a snag".

Common error

Avoid using "meet an obstacle" in contexts where simpler phrasing would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or dramatic. Consider more direct language when the obstacle is minor or easily overcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meet an obstacle" functions as a verbal phrase, where "meet" acts as a verb indicating the action of encountering, and "an obstacle" functions as the direct object. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "meet an obstacle" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for describing the experience of encountering a challenge or difficulty. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, while analysis of various sources shows its occurrence primarily in news, science, and encyclopedia contexts. While it's a useful phrase, consider simpler alternatives like "face a challenge" for less formal situations. Remember to use it judiciously to maintain a clear and engaging writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encounter a difficulty

This alternative is more general, referring to any kind of difficulty, not necessarily a barrier.

face a challenge

This alternative is more proactive, suggesting a willingness to confront the difficulty.

confront a barrier

This alternative emphasizes the act of directly addressing a hindrance.

run into a problem

This alternative implies an unexpected encounter with a problem.

hit a snag

This alternative is more informal and suggests a minor, temporary difficulty.

come up against a hurdle

This alternative uses the metaphor of a hurdle to represent an obstacle.

experience a setback

This alternative focuses on the negative impact of the obstacle on progress.

find oneself up against it

This alternative is idiomatic and suggests being in a difficult situation.

be thwarted by an impediment

This alternative suggests that something has actively stopped progress.

grapple with an issue

This alternative emphasizes a prolonged struggle with a problem.

FAQs

How can I use "meet an obstacle" in a sentence?

You can use "meet an obstacle" to describe encountering a challenge that hinders progress, such as, "During the project, we did "meet an obstacle" that delayed our timeline".

What are some alternatives to "meet an obstacle"?

Alternatives include "face a challenge", "encounter a difficulty", or "run into a problem". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "meet an obstacle" or "encounter an obstacle"?

Both "meet an obstacle" and "encounter an obstacle" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific tone you want to achieve. "Encounter" might suggest a more passive experience.

What's the difference between "meet an obstacle" and "overcome an obstacle"?

"Meet an obstacle" describes the initial encounter with a difficulty. "Overcome an obstacle" implies successfully dealing with and resolving that difficulty.