obstacle to surmount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obstacle to surmount" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing challenges or difficulties that need to be overcome in various contexts, such as personal growth, business, or problem-solving. Example: "The team faced a significant obstacle to surmount in their quest to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Even if Mr. Baehr wins, he has another obstacle to surmount: the council term runs for three years, and he is graduates in the spring.

The New York Times

By contrast this singular man was using his break to test his mental and physical appetite for competition once again, a self-made obstacle to surmount allowing him an opportunity to hone his mettle in a different way.

The Guardian - Sport

The drone had demonstrated it could take off from a carrier during testing in May, but the landing was considered the most difficult obstacle to surmount given the confined space on the ship and unpredictable conditions at sea.

The Washington Post

It's a tough obstacle to surmount.

Vice

As boards are overwhelmingly male-dominated, women face a difficult obstacle to surmount.

Huffington Post

Though the results also show that 23% inaccurately conflate healthcare reform with death panels, it should be a fairly easy obstacle to surmount because, at its core, Blumenauer's legislation is about giving patients more choice rather than stripping them of it.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In practice, they have lots of obstacles to surmount.

The Economist

It was unclear how long it took Erica to chew through the tape, but once she did, the police said, she had more obstacles to surmount.

The New York Times

But there were many practical obstacles to surmount, both in the technicalities of making the observations, and in the expeditionary logistics.

Nature

She has some obstacles to surmount, however: She has never raced at Chantilly and she has never gone farther than a mile, or 1,600 meters; the distance of the Prix de Diane is 2,100 meters.

The New York Times - Sports

There are too many male DJs and presenters and not enough women, she complained.She could have added that the women who break through into broadcasting have other obstacles to surmount.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obstacle to surmount" when you want to emphasize not just the existence of a challenge, but also the act of overcoming it. It's particularly suitable for situations requiring effort, determination, and a strategic approach.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "obstacle to surmount" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "challenge to overcome" or "problem to solve" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obstacle to surmount" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a difficulty or challenge that needs to be overcome. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples show it being used to describe challenges in various contexts, from business to personal growth.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obstacle to surmount" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a challenge that requires effort and determination to overcome. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's most frequently found in news, media, and scientific contexts, with a neutral to formal register. While versatile, it's best to reserve this phrase for situations where you want to emphasize the active process of overcoming a difficulty. If a less formal tone is desired, consider alternatives such as "challenge to overcome" or "problem to solve".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenge to overcome

This alternative is more general and emphasizes the act of overcoming a challenge.

difficulty to conquer

This alternative uses a more forceful verb, suggesting a more aggressive approach to overcoming the difficulty.

hurdle to clear

This alternative evokes the image of jumping over a physical barrier, implying a specific action to overcome the obstacle.

impediment to resolve

This alternative focuses on the need to find a solution to remove the impediment.

barrier to break through

This alternative emphasizes the strength required to overcome a barrier.

setback to recover from

This alternative frames the obstacle as a temporary setback that requires a recovery effort.

problem to solve

This alternative is a simpler and more direct way of expressing the need to find a solution to the obstacle.

issue to address

This alternative emphasizes the need to acknowledge and deal with the obstacle.

complication to handle

This alternative suggests that the obstacle requires careful management and handling.

roadblock to bypass

This alternative implies finding a way around the obstacle rather than directly confronting it.

FAQs

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

You can use "obstacle to surmount" when describing a challenge that requires effort and determination to overcome. For example: "The team faced a significant "obstacle to surmount" in their quest to complete the project on time."

What can I say instead of "obstacle to surmount"?

You can use alternatives like "challenge to overcome", "difficulty to conquer", or "hurdle to clear" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "obstacle to overcome" or "obstacle to surmount"?

Both "obstacle to overcome" and "obstacle to surmount" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. However, "obstacle to surmount" is slightly more formal and emphasizes the active effort required to overcome the obstacle. "Obstacle to overcome" is generally more common and versatile.

What is the difference between "obstacle to surmount" and "challenge to overcome"?

While similar, "obstacle to surmount" often suggests a more significant or imposing barrier than "challenge to overcome". The phrase ""obstacle to surmount"" implies a need for strategic planning and dedicated effort, whereas "challenge to overcome" can refer to a broader range of difficulties.