obstruct access

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obstruct access" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is preventing or hindering entry or use of a resource or location. Example: "The fallen tree obstructed access to the hiking trail, making it difficult for hikers to proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

In many parts of the country, local officials obstruct access to villages with high incidences of AIDS.

The New York Times

Several sculptures, seeming to poke fun at the ephemeral spectacles of Mr. Eliasson's art, obstruct access to the sublime.

The New York Times - Arts

But six lanes of roadway packed with traffic, including some toxin-spewing trucks, will continue to obstruct access to Boston's harbor even after the highway comes down.

The New York Times

All over the world – and at a staggering scale in Syria – warring parties deny or obstruct access to aid organisations trying to reach communities in need.

The Guardian

Placing the ERB over a person's face from forehead to chin with limited pressure would "to an extent" obstruct access to airflow, Heywood said.

The Guardian

It said it was "mystified by the efforts of certain high-ranking Pakistani government authorities to obstruct access to military and intelligence sources".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Instead, much of the old street plan was recreated in the new City, with improvements in hygiene and fire safety: wider streets, open and accessible wharves along the length of the Thames, with no houses obstructing access to the river, and, most importantly, buildings constructed of brick and stone, not wood.

Wikipedia

AT&T has been telling Federal regulators that the Bells have obstructed access to their local networks.

The New York Times

Critics of Judge White's previous order had said one problem was its breadth: It obstructed access to documents beyond those that the bank said contained confidential information.

The New York Times

But the numbers were only estimates; the thickness of bodies on the ground in some places made it impossible to navigate the camp, and the R.P.A. obstructed access.

The New Yorker

The IPC pointed out that, while there is insufficient data available to declare a famine, volatile conditions in the country have obstructed access, making timely analysis difficult.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obstruct access", ensure you specify what is being obstructed and what is being accessed. For example, "The fallen tree obstructed access to the hiking trail."

Common error

Avoid using "obstruct access" in passive voice constructions that obscure the actor. Instead of "Access was obstructed", specify who or what obstructed the access for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obstruct access" functions as a verb phrase where "obstruct" is the verb and "access" is the direct object. It describes the action of hindering or preventing entry or use. Ludwig AI shows examples in news, science, and academic contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obstruct access" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the action of hindering or preventing entry or use. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across news, scientific, and academic domains. While alternatives like ""impede access"", ""hinder access"", and ""block access"" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being obstructed and who or what is doing the obstructing. Avoid overuse in the passive voice to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impede access

Replaces "obstruct" with "impede", suggesting a similar hindrance but potentially less severe.

hinder access

Substitutes "obstruct" with "hinder", indicating a slowing down or making access more difficult.

block access

Uses "block" instead of "obstruct", implying a more complete prevention of access.

impair access

Replaces "obstruct" with "impair", suggesting damage or weakening of the ability to access.

restrict access

Focuses on limiting access rather than completely preventing it.

limit access

Highlights a constraint or reduction in the availability of access.

prevent access

Emphasizes the complete prevention of gaining entry or use.

inhibit access

Uses "inhibit" to suggest a restraining or suppressing effect on access.

obviate access

Meaning to remove the necessity of access, which indirectly prevents it

make access difficult

Rephrases the idea to emphasize the difficulty created in obtaining access.

FAQs

How can I use "obstruct access" in a sentence?

You can use "obstruct access" to describe situations where something is preventing or hindering entry or use. For example, "The new regulations "obstruct access" to vital resources."

What are some alternatives to "obstruct access"?

Alternatives include "impede access", "hinder access", or "block access", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "obstruct access" or "obstructing access"?

The choice depends on the sentence structure. "Obstruct access" is often used as a verb phrase, while "obstructing access" is used as a gerund or participle. For instance, "The barrier will "obstruct access"," versus "The barrier is "obstructing access"."

What's the difference between "obstruct access" and "restrict access"?

"Obstruct access" implies a complete or significant prevention of access, while "restrict access" suggests a limitation or reduction in the availability of access.