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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.
Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
obstacle
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The word "obstacle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an impediment, a barrier, or an obstruction that must be overcome or navigated. For example: "The snowstorm was a major obstacle to our plans of skiing this weekend."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Sport
Politics
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Rebel commanders are seeking assurances from Washington that if they sign a peace deal with the Colombian government, the United States will not be an obstacle to implementing agreements reached at the table.
News & Media
They started with obstacle races, under the name Rugged Maniac.
News & Media
Health and safety forms are an obstacle, so be prepared for paperwork, he adds.
News & Media
Even a mid-budget movie costs a lot of money to make, and needs to make it back whereas financial success was practically an obstacle to artistic achievement for most of the outsider musicians Frank celebrates.
News & Media
The daily trips from home to Genk's training centre – 36km each way — were not a big obstacle.
News & Media
The NHS's deepening financial problems are a major obstacle, though the PM could potentially make some further extra money available for that purpose.
News & Media
Santorum will increasingly be seen as an obstacle to consolidating the conservative vote, rather than as the recently crowned Iowa winner that he is.
News & Media
The extra pounds are another obstacle to overcome.
News & Media
Boris Johnson is to renounce his US citizenship, removing a potential obstacle to him becoming British prime minister.
News & Media
Related: Len McCluskey tells Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy to resign He said he would seek election to the Scottish parliament in May 2016 but that immediately raised a substantial new obstacle which could cause further conflict within the Scottish party.
News & Media
Unlike the situation with Germany, where Ballack missed out on the World Cup not through his own fault and then became seen as an obstacle to the team's continued progress, the falling-out with Leverkusen is very much of his own making.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "obstacle" to clearly identify a specific impediment or challenge that hinders progress or achievement. For example, "Lack of funding became a significant obstacle to completing the project."
Common error
Avoid using "obstacle" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for significant barriers that genuinely impede progress. For example, instead of saying "The short wait was an obstacle", consider "The short wait was an inconvenience".
Source & Trust
92%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The word "obstacle" functions primarily as a noun, denoting something that impedes progress or stands in the way. As Ludwig indicates, it's used to describe impediments, barriers, or obstructions that must be overcome.
Frequent in
News & Media
60%
Sport
15%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Science
5%
Encyclopedias
5%
Wiki
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "obstacle" is a noun commonly used to describe something that impedes progress. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While "obstacle" is generally suitable for describing significant impediments, it's important to avoid using it for minor inconveniences. Consider alternatives such as "impediment" or "hindrance" to add nuance to your writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
impediment
Refers to something that delays or prevents progress.
hindrance
Indicates something that obstructs or impedes.
barrier
Suggests a physical or metaphorical obstruction.
obstruction
Implies something that blocks or closes off a path.
hurdle
Suggests a difficulty that must be overcome.
stumbling block
A circumstance that causes someone to hesitate or fail.
difficulty
A condition or situation that causes trouble.
setback
A reversal or check in progress.
complication
A circumstance that complicates something.
challenge
A task or situation that tests someone's abilities.
FAQs
How can I use "obstacle" in a sentence?
You can use "obstacle" to describe something that blocks progress or stands in the way. For instance, "The language barrier was a major obstacle to communication".
What's a good alternative to "obstacle"?
Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "impediment", "hindrance", or "barrier".
Is it correct to use "obstacle" to describe a personal challenge?
Yes, "obstacle" can be used to describe a personal challenge. For example, "Overcoming his fear of public speaking was a significant obstacle for him".
What is the difference between "obstacle" and "challenge"?
"Obstacle" implies something that blocks progress, while "challenge" suggests a task that tests one's abilities. An obstacle must be overcome to proceed, whereas a challenge is something to strive for.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
92%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested