minor obstacles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "minor obstacles" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to small challenges or difficulties that are not significant in the grand scheme of things. Example: "Despite facing some minor obstacles during the project, we were able to complete it on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

They have called a strike for October 7th.These may look like minor obstacles.

The Economist

Of course, to offer the Minitel service, Yahoo had to overcome minor obstacles, Ms. de Mersan said.

The New York Times

The stutters that occasionally enter his speech are minor obstacles that he rushes right over, and they feed this 90-minute show's air of theatrical urgency.

The New York Times

WILLIAM, NEW JERSEY The objective of cross-country is to move as quickly as possible over natural terrain, and that sometimes involves minor obstacles.

The New York Times - Magazine

But US television executives are determined not to let these minor obstacles get in the way of plans to remake Only Fools and Horses for an American audience.

Independent

Over the course of a season, every team faces a few days when minor obstacles and injuries make for awkward choices.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

However, I believed the South Americans would overcome this minor obstacle.

The New Yorker

Likewise, a trifling matter like corporate sexism is just another minor obstacle.

Independent

That she's taken out a restraining order against him is a minor obstacle.

The New York Times

But to children, that rule is a minor obstacle that stands between them and what everybody else is doing.

The New York Times - Tech

Some 60% of Thai firms consulted for the World Bank study said that corruption was a big obstacle to their business; another 25% considered it a minor obstacle.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "minor obstacles", ensure the context clarifies that these issues do not significantly impede progress or success. This helps maintain a positive and forward-looking tone.

Common error

Avoid describing routine issues as "minor obstacles" if they genuinely cause substantial delays or require significant resources to resolve. Overstating the impact can undermine credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minor obstacles" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig's examples show how it identifies and categorizes challenges based on their impact.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "minor obstacles" is a noun phrase used to describe small, easily manageable challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and identifies its typical function as downplaying the significance of certain difficulties. While the phrase is frequently found in News & Media, its neutral register makes it suitable for various communication styles. When using "minor obstacles", ensure that the context aligns with its intended meaning: challenges that do not significantly hinder progress. Alternatives like "small hurdles" or "slight challenges" can provide similar nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small hurdles

Focuses on the idea of overcoming something, emphasizing the small size of the challenge.

small difficulties

A more general and direct synonym, focusing on the ease to manage the issues.

slight challenges

Emphasizes the easiness or mildness of the difficulties.

minor setbacks

Highlights the temporary delay caused by the obstacles.

petty difficulties

Highlights the insignificance and triviality of the obstacles.

trivial setbacks

Emphasizes the temporary nature and lack of importance of the impediments.

manageable difficulties

Focuses on the manageability of the challenge.

insignificant impediments

Focuses on how the obstacles don't matter much.

modest impediments

Highlights the limited nature of the obstacle.

easily overcome challenges

Emphasizes the possibility to deal with a problem efficiently.

FAQs

How can I use "minor obstacles" in a sentence?

You can use "minor obstacles" to describe small challenges that don't significantly hinder progress. For example, "Despite some "small hurdles", the project was completed successfully."

What are some alternatives to saying "minor obstacles"?

Alternatives include "small hurdles", "slight challenges", or "trivial setbacks depending on the context".

Is it appropriate to use "minor obstacles" in formal writing?

Yes, "minor obstacles" is suitable for formal writing. However, ensure it accurately reflects the scale of the challenges being described. If the issues are more significant, consider using stronger language.

What's the difference between "minor obstacles" and "major obstacles"?

"Minor obstacles" refer to small, easily overcome challenges, while "major obstacles" indicate significant impediments that require substantial effort or resources to resolve. The choice depends on the severity of the issues you're describing.