obstruct the ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obstruct the ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing factors or actions that hinder someone's capacity to do something. Example: "The new regulations may obstruct the ability of small businesses to compete in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Not an animal who would obstruct the ability of thousands of students to complete their educations in the United States.

The New York Times

The subjects of his thrice-weekly communiqués are infinitely various range from local bus services to the proliferation of second homes, though they all tend to focus on an entity known as "them": that is, the malign, bureaucratic and of course unaccountable forces at large in our society whose aim is to obstruct the ability of "ordinary people" to enjoy their liberties.

Independent

E6 interactions with O 6 -methylguanine DNA methyltransferase and XRCC1 O 6 -methylguaninety of these proteins to repair the DNAages incurred, giving rise to genomethyltransferasen cells infected with HPV.

Archives of Virology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

To the contrary, he wrote, "by crowning the media with virtual absolute immunity for falsely assailing public officials," the Sullivan ruling "obstructs the ability of the president and other public officials to recruit talented and loyal supporters".

The New York Times

A panicked government has proposed laws banning foreign and domestic election observers, obstructing the ability of likely opposition supporters to vote, barring foreigners from working as correspondents and restricting domestic journalists.

The New York Times

Bedside ultrasonography revealed a tumor mass in her proximal inferior vena cava at the junction of the right atrium obstructing the ability to assess her volume status with inferior vena cava inspiratory collapse.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

Although ADSCs had the potential to replace Schwann cells in engineered-tissue nerves, apoptosis easily obstructed the ability to treat serious nerve injury in the host, such as a >50-mm-long nerve defect.

Biomaterials

Racist policies and attitudes have obstructed the ability of women of color to choose whether and when to bear children.

Huffington Post

And in attempting to disentangle them, critics are obstructing the ability of the film to strike a colossal and highly public blow against the pernicious Lost Cause.

Huffington Post

Government Communications Headquarters GCHQQ) coordinated the effort, which saw operatives jam signals and obstruct the terrorists' ability to send and receive electronic communications.

Vice

Listening to music while studying can obstruct the brain's ability to concentrate, and store information.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obstruct the ability", consider the specific context and choose a more precise verb if appropriate. For instance, use "hinder", "impede", or "undermine" to convey nuances in the way the ability is affected.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "obstruct" in your writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "impair", "hinder", or "inhibit" to maintain reader engagement and provide a more nuanced description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obstruct the ability" functions as a verb phrase, where 'obstruct' is the verb and 'the ability' is the direct object. It describes the action of hindering or blocking someone's capacity to perform a specific task or function. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obstruct the ability" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of hindering or blocking someone's capacity to perform an action. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for written English. While relatively rare in occurrence, it finds usage in news and scientific contexts. For writing best practices, consider using synonyms such as "hinder", "impede", or "undermine" for more nuanced expression. Common errors can be avoided by varying vocabulary instead of overusing "obstruct". Overall, the phrase is clear and effective in conveying its intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hinder the capability

Replaces "obstruct" with "hinder" and "ability" with "capability", offering a slightly more formal tone.

impede the capacity

Substitutes "obstruct" with "impede" and "ability" with "capacity", providing a near synonym with a slightly different nuance.

hamper the faculty

Uses "hamper" in place of "obstruct" and "faculty" instead of "ability", changing the tone and emphasizing inherent talent.

undermine the capacity

Employs "undermine" suggesting a gradual weakening rather than a direct obstruction and exchanges "ability" with "capacity".

inhibit the aptitude

Replaces "obstruct" with "inhibit" and "ability" with "aptitude", focusing on hindering a natural inclination.

restrict the potential

Uses "restrict" to convey limiting instead of blocking and replaces "ability" with "potential", emphasizing future capacity.

block the competence

Substitutes "obstruct" with "block" and "ability" with "competence", focusing on a skill or knowledge.

stifle the talent

Replaces "obstruct" with "stifle", implying suppression or constraint of a natural gift.

curtail the power

Uses "curtail" to suggest a reduction or limitation and replaces "ability" with "power", focusing on strength or influence.

disable the skill

Substitutes "obstruct" with "disable" and "ability" with "skill", indicating making something unusable.

FAQs

How can I use "obstruct the ability" in a sentence?

You can use "obstruct the ability" to describe something that prevents someone from doing something. For instance, "The new regulations may "obstruct the ability" of small businesses to compete effectively".

What are some alternatives to "obstruct the ability"?

Alternatives include phrases like "hinder the capability", "impede the capacity", or "undermine the capacity", depending on the desired nuance.

Is "obstruct the ability" formal or informal?

"Obstruct the ability" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more precise synonyms might be preferable in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "obstruct the ability" and "impair the ability"?

"Obstruct the ability" implies a blocking or hindering action, while "impair the ability" suggests a weakening or damage to the ability. The choice depends on whether the action is a direct blockage or a degradation of the capacity.