obstacle to doing

USAGE SUMMARY

"obstacle to doing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to something that hinders or prevents someone from taking an action. For example, "The lack of resources was the main obstacle to doing the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"Generally, the police view the technology as an obstacle to doing their jobs".

The New York Times - Tech

"Russia has removed a major obstacle to doing business and advancing economic growth".

The New York Times

That beams of light cannot be held stationary, and thus used as a form of memory store, is a big obstacle to doing this.

The Economist

Almost a fifth of businessmen think corruption is the main obstacle to doing business in Mexico, says the World Economic Forum.

The Economist

Agreement has already been reached in principle to publish the memos at the time that the inquiry reports, so there should be no obstacle to doing so now.

The Guardian

Jodi Kantor: Well, because, if you couldn't get the woman to speak because she had agreed not to, it was a big obstacle to doing a story, but colleagues would say the same thing.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

They lack the international networks and support to receive training in important issues such as health rights and to share experiences globally; and treatment consequences are an obstacle to do activism for people affected by cancer.

Globalization and Health

The obstacles to doing business coincide with increasing opportunities.

The New York Times

Even so, there are obstacles to doing this research well.

The Washington Post

Threats were specific obstacles to doing so, for example habitat loss and pollution.

The Economist

Here the continued obstacles to doing business are a much more significant hurdle.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obstacle to doing", clearly identify what the obstacle is and what action it prevents. This provides clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid simply stating there is an "obstacle to doing" something without specifying what it is. Always provide concrete details about the obstacle for better understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obstacle to doing" functions as a noun phrase identifying a barrier or impediment that prevents the completion of an action. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies it as grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "obstacle to doing" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to pinpoint barriers hindering actions across diverse settings, from news reporting to academic research. While versatile, ensure clarity by specifically identifying the obstacle in question. Alternatives such as "impediment to carrying out" or "hindrance to performing" can add nuance depending on context. Remember that while the phrase itself maintains a neutral tone, the surrounding language can affect its overall formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hindrance to performing

Replaces "doing" with "performing", suggesting a more structured activity.

impediment to carrying out

Uses more formal vocabulary to express hindrance.

barrier to accomplishing

Substitutes "obstacle" with "barrier" and "doing" with "accomplishing", implying completion.

roadblock to achieving

Implies progress is halted.

difficulty in undertaking

Focuses on the inherent difficulty of the task.

challenge to executing

Emphasizes the demanding nature of implementation.

constraint on undertaking

Highlights limitations placed on actions.

deterrent to completing

Implies discouragement from finishing the action.

drawback to enacting

Highlights the negative aspects of taking action.

setback for initiating

Indicates a delay or regression in starting the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "obstacle to doing" to describe something that prevents or hinders an action. For example, "Lack of funding was a significant "obstacle to doing" the research."

What are some alternatives to "obstacle to doing"?

Alternatives include "impediment to carrying out", "hindrance to performing", or "barrier to accomplishing", depending on the specific context.

Is "obstacle to doing" formal or informal?

"Obstacle to doing" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone than the phrase itself.

What makes something an "obstacle to doing" something else?

An "obstacle to doing" something is any factor that makes it difficult or impossible to complete a task. It can be anything from a lack of resources to legal restrictions.