obstacles to come

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obstacles to come" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to challenges or difficulties that are anticipated in the future. Example: "We must prepare ourselves for the obstacles to come as we embark on this new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

He was a Tzaddik who survived so much and overcame great obstacles to come to this country.

The New York Times

And yet, the stories of immigrants who tried, against such obstacles, to come here and stay here are testaments not only to their determination, but to the American capacity to examine those impulses, and overcome them.

The New Yorker

There would be more obstacles to come on when the restaurant opened to the public the next day: a $200 plate broke; the design team was still trying to cover up the mirrors on the pass an hour before the start of service; the dishwashers got sick, forcing two of the Mandarin Oriental managers, dressed in ties and formal slacks, to step behind the sink.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell was delighted to see his side make it two wins out of two but warned of tougher obstacles to come.

BBC

Brainstorm on how to work through these obstacles to come up with proposed solutions.

Huffington Post

Intertwining the present needs of metropolitan living with the foreshadowed obstacles to come, Mass Studies conceptualizes an incredibly smart and acute execution of architectural design.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

She does not know how long Terri will be featured in the series, as she was initially created simply as an obstacle to come between Will and Emma.

Wikipedia

One obstacle to coming up with such novel and game-changing ideas, he says, was the extremely short lead time for applicants—only 2 months.

Science Magazine

The biggest obstacle to coming up with great arrangements, says Pritchard, is florist flowers.

Los Angeles Times

In our day, one can say that in the United States the wealthy classes of society are almost entirely out of political affairs and that wealth, far from being a right [to power], is a real cause of disfavor and an obstacle to coming to power.

Huffington Post

The NRA responded to the deal with swift opposition, in a sign of the obstacles yet to come.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obstacles to come", ensure the context clearly establishes what specific project or endeavor these obstacles are related to. This enhances clarity and relevance for the reader.

Common error

Avoid overusing "obstacles to come" in professional contexts, as it can sometimes sound dramatic or cliché. Opt for more specific and concise alternatives like "future challenges" or "upcoming difficulties" for clearer communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obstacles to come" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. As Ludwig AI suggests, it refers to difficulties or challenges that are expected to occur in the future. It frames future problems as tangible and predictable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

16%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

8%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obstacles to come" is a grammatically correct phrase used to denote future challenges or difficulties. As Ludwig AI describes, it's versatile but may be seen as somewhat dramatic in very formal contexts. With a relatively uncommon usage frequency, according to Ludwig's analysis, it appears most often in News & Media. Consider alternatives like "future challenges" or "upcoming hurdles" for increased clarity or formality, depending on your target audience and purpose. This phrase effectively sets the stage for preparedness and proactive problem-solving.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

future challenges

More general term referring to difficulties expected in the future.

upcoming hurdles

Emphasizes the need to overcome difficulties that lie ahead.

impending difficulties

Highlights the sense of something challenging about to happen.

looming setbacks

Suggests potential failures that are likely to occur.

anticipated roadblocks

Focuses on specific obstructions expected to impede progress.

forthcoming trials

Implies difficulties that will test one's resilience.

ensuing problems

Problems that will inevitably follow a specific action or event.

potential pitfalls ahead

Warns of possible hidden dangers that could cause failure.

challenges on the horizon

More figurative, suggesting challenges that are becoming visible or expected.

difficulties down the line

Indicates problems that may arise later in a process or project.

FAQs

How can I use "obstacles to come" in a sentence?

You can use "obstacles to come" to refer to future challenges or difficulties that are anticipated. For example, "We must prepare ourselves for the "obstacles to come" as we embark on this new project."

What are some alternatives to "obstacles to come"?

Some alternatives include "future challenges", "upcoming hurdles", or "impending difficulties", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "obstacles to come" a formal or informal expression?

"Obstacles to come" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but more professional terms such as "future challenges" might be preferred in certain business or academic settings.

What's the difference between "obstacles to come" and "challenges ahead"?

"Obstacles to come" and "challenges ahead" are quite similar, both referring to future difficulties. "Obstacles to come" might imply a slightly more negative or obstructive connotation, whereas "challenges ahead" can sound more neutral or even motivating.