obstruct communication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obstruct communication" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing barriers or hindrances to effective communication in various contexts, such as personal relationships, business environments, or technology. Example: "The lack of clear guidelines can obstruct communication between team members, leading to misunderstandings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The best of today's artists and critics are ready to visit the models of any given community―ideological, spiritual, political, economic, technological, scientific, aesthetic―at any given time without obstructing communication or insinuating personal models on them.

Huffington Post

Sometimes, when she is feeling rather mischievous she may obstruct our communication With a solar flare or two Just for fun.

Huffington Post

"Since one of my biggest concerns as a composer is communicating about something meaningful with the audience, anything that obstructs that communication feels like a lost opportunity to me," said David T. Little, who has given his works all-lowercase, all-capitalized and other nonstandard titles.

The New York Times - Arts

"I must and cannot damage this relationship through surveillance measures that obstruct our trusting communication," Obama told ZDF public TV, according to a German translation of his comments.

Huffington Post

The present academic publishing system obstructs the free communication of research findings.

The Guardian

Politics get in the way of open communication, obstructing the flow of information from point A to point B. Knowledge stays put and expertise suffers.

Harvard Business Review

The structure is also responsible for a limited or nonexistent hydrogeological connection between the compartments "R2" and "D1" in the northeastern part of the plain where the Chouichia fault obstructs the reservoir communication.

Applied Water Science

The statute is violated by anyone who "corruptly, or by threats or force, or by any threatening letter or communication influences, obstructs, or impedes or endeavors to influence, obstruct, or impede the due and proper administration of the law under which any pending proceeding is being had before any department or agency of the United States....".

Huffington Post

Some critics even contend that government health agencies and their PIOs frequently obstruct rather than facilitate communication [ 16, 17].

BMC Public Health

Be prepared for clients who obstruct the clear and effective communication of their own brands: They have so much to say and they simply can't imagine that nobody wants to listen.

The Guardian

Since the indoor construction is complicated and the communication signals are obstructed frequently, the NLOS propagation condition will be caused between MN and ANs.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential problems in team dynamics, use "obstruct communication" to highlight how certain behaviors or policies might hinder open dialogue and collaboration.

Common error

Avoid using "obstruct communication" in contexts where simpler terms like "interrupt" or "delay" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obstruct communication" functions as a verb phrase where "obstruct" is a transitive verb, and "communication" is its direct object. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is used to describe actions that impede or prevent the effective exchange of information.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obstruct communication" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes actions or circumstances that hinder effective information exchange. As indicated by Ludwig, its usage spans across various domains, including news, science, and formal business settings. While not exceedingly common, it serves a crucial role in identifying and highlighting impediments to clear and open dialogue. Alternatives such as "hinder communication" or "impede communication" can provide nuanced substitutes, depending on the desired emphasis. When using this phrase, it's best to apply it in contexts where a significant barrier to communication is evident, avoiding overuse in simpler scenarios to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hinder communication

This alternative focuses on impeding communication, emphasizing a slowing or making it more difficult.

impede communication

This suggests a more forceful obstruction, indicating a significant barrier to communication.

block communication

This implies a complete stoppage of communication, a more absolute form of obstruction.

disrupt communication

This emphasizes an interruption or disturbance to the flow of communication.

hamper communication

This suggests making communication awkward or difficult, often due to external factors.

inhibit communication

This focuses on restraining or preventing communication from occurring freely.

interfere with communication

This indicates an unwanted intrusion that disrupts the clarity or effectiveness of communication.

stifle communication

This suggests suppressing or suffocating communication, often implying a power dynamic.

prevent communication

This emphasizes the act of stopping communication from happening altogether.

suppress communication

This implies a deliberate effort to keep information or expression from being communicated.

FAQs

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

You can use "obstruct communication" to describe actions or situations that prevent or hinder effective exchange of information. For example, "Excessive bureaucracy can "hinder communication" within an organization."

What are some alternatives to "obstruct communication"?

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

What does it mean to "obstruct communication"?

To "obstruct communication" means to create barriers or difficulties that prevent information, ideas, or feelings from being exchanged effectively between individuals or groups.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "obstruct communication"?

The phrase is appropriate in various contexts, including discussing organizational dynamics, interpersonal relationships, or technical systems where the flow of information is being hindered. It is frequently used in formal writing.