obstruct development

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obstruct development" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is hindering or preventing progress or growth, whether in a physical, social, or economic sense. Example: "The new regulations may obstruct development in the housing sector, making it difficult for builders to meet demand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The latest contribution, a report* by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), argues that larger families and fast-growing populations obstruct development and perpetuate poverty by slowing growth and diverting consumption away from the poor.

The Economist

Development can be altered by several factors which can either facilitate or obstruct development.

Research in Developmental Disabilities

Milito also criticized the Obama administration for using increased regulations on both onshore and offshore drilling operations to "impede and obstruct" development.

Huffington Post

"Calls to streamline the ESA and to rely exclusively on FWS to identify and list species might mean that a significant number of species that deserve legal protection -- especially those that are politically unpopular because of the potential to obstruct development projects -- would be left out in the cold".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

She had campaigned against destructive projects across the country and had been accused of obstructing development by irked politicians.

The Guardian

Plaid AM Llyr Gruffydd said: "At the moment the whole culture around planning in Wales is about blocking, is about obstructing development".

BBC

"This causes suffering and obstructs development".

Vice

This may also support a biological aetiology; immaturity of the uterus in very young women obstructs development of a term pregnancy and results in premature delivery, as does uterine dysfunction caused by ageing processes in women with advancing age.

BMJ Open

"They don't like to support Yolngu business, they obstruct our development.

The Guardian

Microsoft was willing nevertheless to obstruct the development of Windows-compatible applications if they would be easy to port to other platforms and would thus diminish the applications barrier to entry.

The New York Times

Such peptides are reported to obstruct the development and transmission of eukaryotic pathogens (Paily et al., 2007).

Egyptian Journal of Biological Pest Control

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obstruct development", clearly identify what is causing the obstruction to provide context and clarity.

Common error

While "obstruct development" is grammatically sound, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "slow down progress" or "get in the way of growth" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obstruct development" functions as a verb phrase acting as a predicate, where "obstruct" is the verb and "development" is the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature. It describes the action of hindering or impeding progress.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obstruct development" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of hindering or impeding progress. Ludwig AI confirms it's usable in written English. While not overly common, the phrase appears in news, scientific, and business contexts. Alternatives such as "impede development" or "hinder development" may be suitable substitutes depending on the desired nuance. When using "obstruct development", ensure you clearly identify what is causing the obstruction. Avoid using it in overly informal contexts, as it can sound somewhat formal. Remember to choose the most appropriate phrase based on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impede development

Replaces "obstruct" with "impede", maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

hinder development

Substitutes "obstruct" with "hinder", offering a slightly less formal alternative with the same core meaning.

block development

Replaces "obstruct" with "block", suggesting a more complete or forceful impediment.

impair development

Changes "obstruct" to "impair", focusing on the damaging effect on development.

inhibit development

Replaces "obstruct" with "inhibit", highlighting a restraining or suppressing effect on development.

thwart development

Substitutes "obstruct" with "thwart", implying a deliberate attempt to prevent development.

retard development

Changes "obstruct" to "retard", indicating a slowing down of the developmental process.

stifle development

Replaces "obstruct" with "stifle", suggesting a suppression or suffocation of development.

hamper development

Substitutes "obstruct" with "hamper", indicating something that makes development more difficult.

derail development

Changes "obstruct" to "derail", suggesting a complete disruption and redirection of the development process.

FAQs

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

You can use "obstruct development" to describe something that hinders or prevents progress. For example: "The new regulations may "impede development" in the housing sector."

What are some alternatives to "obstruct development"?

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

Is it more appropriate to say "obstruct development" or "hinder development"?

"Obstruct development" and "hinder development" are often interchangeable. "Obstruct" can suggest a more forceful or intentional impediment, while "hinder" is generally less intense.

What kind of subjects commonly "obstruct development"?

Regulations, policies, lack of funding, and even certain attitudes or beliefs can all "impede development" in various contexts.