obstruct one another

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obstruct one another" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more entities hinder or interfere with each other's progress or actions. Example: "In a collaborative environment, team members should avoid behaviors that obstruct one another to ensure a smooth workflow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

This is why most Flemish parties now opt for so-called homogenous departments, to avoid policies being taken on different levels that interfere with and obstruct one another.

The Guardian - Opinion

The league tried to enforce parity twenty years ago, by permitting players to obstruct one another: any player who crossed a team's defensive blue line had a stick held against his midsection in the manner of a subway turnstile.

The New Yorker

The issues for these patients are essentially the same as for patients with one fixator, except that mobility is disproportionately more difficult as the two fixators tend to obstruct one another.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Eventually they partly obstruct one's view of the crucial recognition scene between estranged brother and sister.

The Guardian - Music

The allusion seems to be to spread a blanket over the head to obstruct one's figurative sight, similar to the origin of hoodwink; other speculation goes as far as to suggest pulling a person's hairpiece over his face.

The New York Times - Magazine

457 (ED La.1940); see also ante, at 358. "To conspire to defraud the United States means primarily to cheat the Government out of property or money, but it also means to interfere with or obstruct one of its lawful governmental functions by deceit, craft or trickery, or at least by means that are dishonest.

Cornell University

in regard to that statute, that while "[t]o conspire to defraud the United States means primarily to cheat the Government out of property or money,... it also means to interfere with or obstruct one of its lawful governmental functions by deceit, craft or trickery, or at least by means that are dishonest". 265 U.S., at 188, 44 S.Ct., at 512.

Cornell University

It was first seen in a Jamestown (N.Y). Journal in 1839, at about the same time the term O.K. appeared: "That lawyer has been trying to spread the wool over your eyes". The allusion seems to be to spread a blanket over the head to obstruct one's figurative sight, similar to the origin of hoodwink; other speculation goes as far as to suggest pulling a person's hairpiece over his face.

The New York Times - Magazine

The group had a bonfire going on the side of the road, as well as a tipi obstructing one lane of traffic but not the other on Shannonville Road.

Vice

But the other countries of the trade organization, including some of the closest allies of the United States, strongly criticized the Bush administration for obstructing one of the few international trade agreements that could be said to address humanitarian and economic concerns.

The New York Times

For the remaining arrangements, both the outage probability and the average error probability will remain approximately equal to the values obtained without obstructing one of the branches.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obstruct one another" when you want to emphasize a reciprocal action where entities are actively preventing each other's progress or functionality. It's most appropriate when describing complex systems or relationships where mutual interference is a key factor.

Common error

Avoid using "obstruct one another" in simple situations where "hinder each other" or "block each other" would suffice. The phrase is more fitting for complex interactions, and simpler terms are clearer in basic contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obstruct one another" functions as a reciprocal verb phrase, indicating that multiple entities are actively impeding each other's actions or progress. Ludwig examples show it in contexts of political systems and physical objects. This phrasing emphasizes the mutual nature of the obstruction.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obstruct one another" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe situations where multiple entities impede each other's progress. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While relatively rare, its usage spans across news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, remember that it implies a reciprocal action, making it most appropriate for describing complex systems where mutual interference is a key factor. Alternatives like "hinder one another" or "impede one another" may be suitable in simpler contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hinder one another

Implies a less forceful or complete obstruction; suggests slowing down or impeding progress.

impede one another

Similar to "hinder", but can suggest a more significant or impactful obstruction.

block each other's progress

Focuses on preventing advancement, specifically in terms of progress.

thwart each other's efforts

Highlights the frustration of plans or attempts, implying a deliberate action.

frustrate one another

Emphasizes the feeling of discouragement and dissatisfaction resulting from the obstruction.

interfere with each other

A more general term, suggesting any kind of unwanted involvement or disruption.

disrupt each other's activities

Focuses on the disturbance and interruption of ongoing actions.

prevent each other's success

Specifically aims to stop someone from achieving a desired outcome.

inhibit each other's development

Refers to restraining or slowing down growth or advancement.

constrain one another

Suggests a limitation or restriction imposed mutually.

FAQs

How can I use "obstruct one another" in a sentence?

You can use "obstruct one another" to describe situations where multiple entities are hindering each other's progress. For instance, "The two political parties often "obstruct one another"'s legislative agendas."

What phrases are similar to "obstruct one another"?

Similar phrases include "hinder one another", "impede one another", or "block each other's progress". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "obstruct one another" formal or informal?

"Obstruct one another" is generally considered a neutral to formal expression. It is suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts.

When is it most appropriate to use "obstruct one another"?

It's best to use "obstruct one another" when describing complex systems or relationships where mutual interference is a key factor. It implies a reciprocal and often active hindrance.