obstacles and hurdles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obstacles and hurdles" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe challenges or difficulties that one may face in various contexts, such as personal growth, projects, or competitions. Example: "Despite the obstacles and hurdles we encountered during the project, we managed to complete it on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The path is strewn with obstacles and hurdles, many of which seem insurmountable some days.

Huffington Post

There were so many obstacles and hurdles along the way (including the Army moving us across the country).

Huffington Post

Whether it's on a whim or after meticulous planning, there are always unforeseen obstacles and hurdles on your journey to success.

Huffington Post

When you are clear on your why it enables you to focus your efforts on what matters most, compelling you to take risks and push forward despite the obstacles and hurdles that may arise.

Huffington Post

Q. How do you set a vision for the future and tackle the obstacles and hurdles that stand between you and your goals? A. My mantra as mayor and even today is to stay focused on my agenda and not let anyone or anything take me off course.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Getting from bench to bedside is a winding road with many obstacles and high hurdles.

Journal of Orthopaedic Translation

There's always going to be a fighter in me getting through some obstacle and some hurdle.

Wikipedia

It is critical that when this window opens, the treatment and support that individual needs is made readily available to them with as few barriers and obstacles to hurdle as possible.

Huffington Post

To help it hurdle these obstacles and build a little padding, Printi is launching with $1.2 million in Series A funding from a group of investors from both Silicon Valley and Brazil, including Greenoaks Capital, Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale, serial Brazilian entrepreneur Fabrice Grinda and Groupon Brazil co-founder Florian Otto.

TechCrunch

Hurdling, sport in athletics (track and field) in which a runner races over a series of obstacles called hurdles, which are set a fixed distance apart.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Adkins counts legal, political and technological hurdles among the many obstacles and costs that any individual school may incur in its offering, and that has prevented the emergence of any national network.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obstacles and hurdles" when you want to emphasize a series of challenges that require effort and strategy to overcome, rather than a single, insurmountable problem.

Common error

Avoid using "obstacles and hurdles" repeatedly in the same piece of writing. While it's a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "challenges" or "difficulties" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obstacles and hurdles" functions as a compound noun phrase. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is used to describe a series of difficulties that need to be overcome. It often acts as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence, highlighting the challenges present in a situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obstacles and hurdles" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe a series of challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English writing. While interchangeable with terms like "challenges and difficulties", it specifically suggests a sequence of manageable impediments. Predominantly found in news and scientific sources, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. Use it to effectively convey the presence of challenges requiring strategic solutions. Remember to avoid overuse by substituting with synonyms like "difficulties" to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenges and difficulties

Replaces both nouns with broader synonyms.

problems and complications

Substitutes with terms emphasizing the problematic nature of the difficulties.

roadblocks and impediments

Uses metaphors related to blocking progress.

setbacks and challenges

Focuses on the hindering effect on progress.

difficulties and trials

Emphasizes the testing nature of the challenges.

impediments and obstructions

Highlights the act of hindering or blocking progress.

barriers and setbacks

Focuses on what prevents progress.

pitfalls and snags

Uses more figurative language to describe unexpected problems.

hitches and glitches

Suggests minor or technical difficulties.

hardships and struggles

Emphasizes the effort required to overcome difficulties.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "obstacles and hurdles" in a sentence?

Use "obstacles and hurdles" to describe a series of challenges that need to be overcome. For example, "The project faced many "obstacles and hurdles", but the team persevered".

What are some alternatives to "obstacles and hurdles"?

Consider using "challenges and difficulties", "roadblocks and impediments", or "setbacks and challenges" as alternatives to "obstacles and hurdles", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "obstacles and hurdles" and "challenges and difficulties"?

"Obstacles and hurdles" often implies a more active process of overcoming individual barriers, while "challenges and difficulties" is a more general way to describe problems faced.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "obstacles and hurdles"?

Use "obstacles and hurdles" when referring to a sequence of specific, manageable difficulties, especially in contexts related to projects, personal growth, or competitive situations. Avoid it if you are describing a single, insurmountable problem.