obstacle for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obstacle for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referencing an issue or difficulty that stands in the way of achieving something. For example, "The lack of funding was a major obstacle for completing the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's a formidable obstacle for a critic.

The New York Times

That creates an extra obstacle for hackers.

The New York Times

"It is the first obstacle for us.

The Guardian

Another obstacle for some parents is money.

The New York Times - Arts

Cost is an obstacle for some people.

The Washington Post

A quintessential obstacle for urban environments around the world.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The fee is believed to be an obstacle for many.

The New York Times

"It's an obstacle for them," said Mr. Kronegger.

The New York Times

Such employee satisfaction may be an obstacle for organizers.

The New York Times

It's never been an obstacle for me in my life.

The Guardian

One obstacle for applicants, black or white, is cost.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obstacle for", ensure the context clearly defines what is being hindered. Be specific about the consequence of the obstacle.

Common error

Avoid using "obstacle for" when a simple inconvenience is meant. The phrase implies a significant impediment, not just a minor issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obstacle for" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating something that hinders or impedes progress toward a specified goal or entity. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it often connects a barrier to a particular outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

30%

Science

32%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obstacle for" is a commonly used and grammatically sound prepositional phrase that identifies something hindering progress. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across various fields. While alternatives such as "blockage for" or "impediment for" exist, "obstacle for" provides a clear and versatile way to express a barrier to a specific outcome. Remember to use it when a significant impediment is present, not just a minor inconvenience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blockage for

Emphasizes the act of obstructing progress.

impediment for

Highlights the hindering aspect of the obstacle.

hindrance for

Similar to impediment but slightly less formal.

difficulty for

Focuses on the challenge or hardship caused.

block for

A more concise way to indicate an obstruction.

obstruction for

Focuses on the act of blocking or impeding.

bottleneck for

Suggests a point of congestion or delay.

burden for

Highlights the onerous nature of the obstacle.

roadblock for

Suggests an insurmountable barrier.

setback for

Implies a temporary delay or reversal.

FAQs

How to use "obstacle for" in a sentence?

Use "obstacle for" to indicate something that prevents or hinders progress. For instance, "Lack of funding is a significant "obstacle for" the project's completion".

What can I say instead of "obstacle for"?

You can use alternatives like "blockage for", "impediment for", or "difficulty for" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "obstacle for" or "obstacle to"?

"Obstacle for" and "obstacle to" are both correct, but "obstacle to" is more common when referring to a general aim. "Obstacle for" often precedes a specific outcome or entity.

What's the difference between "obstacle for" and "challenge for"?

While both imply difficulty, "obstacle for" suggests something is blocking progress, whereas "challenge for" implies a difficult task that can still be overcome.