obstacle to

USAGE SUMMARY

'obstacle to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something that is a hindrance or impediment to something else. For example, "The lack of funding was an obstacle to the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Another obstacle to my desires, obviously.

The New York Times

One obstacle to greater achievement was Peliwo.

The New York Times

"They create an obstacle to national unification.

The New York Times

The main obstacle to action was profit.

The Guardian

It's a hard obstacle to overcome".

The New York Times

Apparently, that obstacle to love wasn't insurmountable.

The New York Times

This is an obstacle to economic progress.

The New Yorker

"Settlements are not an obstacle to peace.

The New Yorker

The PPP is an obstacle to that.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Happiness is an obstacle to serenity".

The Guardian - Books

Israel has somehow become an obstacle to war and an obstacle to peace simultaneously.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obstacle to", ensure the sentence clearly identifies what is being hindered. For example, instead of saying "There is an obstacle to", specify "Lack of funding is an "obstacle to" the project's completion".

Common error

Avoid using "obstacle to" in overly general statements. For instance, don't just say "It's an obstacle to progress." Instead, clarify what "it" refers to and what specific type of progress is being impeded.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obstacle to" functions as a prepositional phrase typically modifying a noun. It specifies something that impedes or hinders a particular goal or process. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obstacle to" is a frequently used prepositional phrase that describes something hindering progress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. It is used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific research, with neutral formality. While there are several alternative phrases such as "hindrance to" or "barrier to", the best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use "obstacle to" with a clear subject to avoid ambiguity. The most common mistake is using it with vague or undefined references. Keep in mind that contexts like News & Media, Science and Formal & Business are the places where you will see this phrase most often.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hindrance to

Replaces "obstacle" with a direct synonym, maintaining a similar level of formality.

impediment to

Another synonym substitution, implying a more significant barrier.

barrier to

A more general term for something that blocks progress or access.

setback for

Shifts the focus to the negative impact on progress rather than the barrier itself.

challenge for

Indicates something that requires effort to overcome, a less negative connotation.

difficulty in

Focuses on the struggle or problem encountered, rather than the blocking entity.

stumbling block for

A more idiomatic expression suggesting a cause of mistakes or failures.

bottleneck in

Implies a point of congestion or delay in a process.

roadblock to

Suggests a deliberate or unintentional obstruction that needs to be circumvented.

drawback to

Highlights a disadvantage or negative aspect associated with something.

FAQs

How can I use "obstacle to" in a sentence?

Use "obstacle to" to describe something that hinders progress or makes it difficult to achieve a goal. For example, "The biggest "obstacle to" success is lack of determination."

What are some alternatives to "obstacle to"?

You can use alternatives such as "hindrance to", "impediment to", or "barrier to", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "obstacle for" instead of "obstacle to"?

While "obstacle for" might sound similar, "obstacle to" is the grammatically correct and more widely accepted form. "Obstacle" describes what is being blocked, while "to" connects the obstacle and its target.

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

"Obstacle to" implies something blocking progress. "Challenge for" suggests something difficult but not necessarily impossible to overcome. A challenge might be viewed as an opportunity, while an obstacle is inherently negative.