obstacle in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'obstacle in' is grammatically correct, and is used to refer to an obstacle that is impeding progress.
For example, "We encountered an obstacle in our plans to launch the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Next, the hem, an obstacle in itself.

The New York Times

This has become an obstacle in communication".

The New York Times

"Infrastructure-wise, there's no obstacle in Senegal.

The Guardian

He mows down every obstacle in his path.

The New York Times

Mr. Yoo's release removes an obstacle in inter-Korean relations.

The New York Times

They have put every obstacle in our way possible".

The Guardian

We still have this obstacle in our way".

The Guardian - Sport

"And now he wants to be the obstacle in chief".

The New York Times

I guess the money is no obstacle in this case.

The Guardian - Opinion

Unemployment remained a central obstacle in many regions.

The New York Times

It's like swerving to avoid an obstacle in the road.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "impediment" or "hindrance" for variety, but ensure they fit the specific nuance you intend to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "obstacle in" when a simpler term like "problem" or "difficulty" suffices. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex. Use it only when highlighting a substantial impediment to progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obstacle in" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it indicates something that hinders or impedes progress within a defined context. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts, highlighting its role in identifying impediments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obstacle in" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase that identifies impediments within a specific context. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples, highlighting its versatility across various domains like news, science, and business. While synonyms like "impediment" or "hindrance" can offer variety, "obstacle in" remains a clear and effective choice when emphasizing a specific barrier to progress. When you use this expression, be sure to give context to avoid ambiguity. As identified by Ludwig, it's a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit for expressing challenges and impediments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impediment to

Focuses on the act of hindering or obstructing something.

hindrance to

Highlights the act of delaying or preventing progress.

barrier to

Emphasizes a physical or metaphorical obstruction that prevents movement or progress.

roadblock to

Suggests a sudden and often unexpected obstruction in a course of action.

challenge to

Refers to a difficult task or problem that needs to be overcome.

setback for

Indicates a temporary delay or reversal in progress.

complication in

Highlights an element that makes a situation more complex or difficult.

stumbling block to

Implies something that causes someone to make a mistake or fail.

difficulty with

Indicates a problem or challenge encountered while doing something.

bottleneck in

Describes a point of congestion or obstruction that slows down a process.

FAQs

How is "obstacle in" different from "obstacle to"?

"Obstacle in" generally refers to something directly hindering progress within a specific process or area, while "obstacle to" usually implies a barrier preventing access or advancement towards a broader goal. For instance, "There is an obstacle in completing the project" versus "There is an obstacle to achieving our goals".

What can I say instead of "obstacle in"?

Alternatives include "impediment to", "hindrance to", or "barrier to", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "obstacle in the way"?

Yes, the phrase "obstacle in the way" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It's synonymous with "obstacle in" and emphasizes the obstruction's positioning. For instance, "Debt is an obstacle in the way of recovery".

When is it more appropriate to use "challenge" instead of "obstacle in"?

Use "challenge" when referring to a difficult task or problem that requires effort and skill to overcome. Use "obstacle in" when highlighting something that directly hinders or blocks progress, suggesting a more significant impediment. A challenge requires effort, while an "obstacle in" requires removal or circumvention.