obstruct the possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obstruct the possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or situations that hinder or prevent potential outcomes or opportunities. Example: "The new regulations may obstruct the possibility of innovation in the tech industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Yet a scan of environmental science and policy literatures reveals there to be sufficiently large differences in definitions of TEK that may obstruct the possibility of moving toward a consensus on the best definition.

Ecological Processes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This helped buffer open conflicts between the mother and the grandparents.9 However, it obstructed the possibility of establishing intimate relations in which the mother and the grandparents would be able to empathize and communicate with one another.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

The dual role of AdhE in solvent production obstructs the possibility of exploiting overexpression of adhE to increase butanol yield.

BMC Systems Biology

Moreover, recent studies conducted by Brady and Singer [ 25] have shown that the great freedom of free rotation silicon-oxygen back to bone obstructs the possibility of forming dipolar or hydrogen bonds with complementary functional groups of biofoulants.

BioMed Research International

The third is called "the urgency that obstructs the horizon of knowledge" (Deconstruction and the Possibility of Justice, pp. 26-28).

SEP

Therefore, adult-onset asthma that increases the severity despite the adequate therapy should alert one to the possibility of a central obstructing lesion [ 1].

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

4. The possibility that Trump didn't know it was illegal to so obstruct justice would NOT get him off the hook ― ignorance of the law is no excuse.

Huffington Post

This, together with clinical pressures and conflicting demands on time, result at best in the possibility of biased recruitment and, at worse, limit recruitment to research and obstruct patients from making decisions about participation.

BMJ Open

As part of his investigation, Mueller is looking into the possibility the Trump campaign colluded with Moscow and that Trump subsequently tried to obstruct the probe.

Huffington Post

The possibility therefore exists that the chaetae of Micromitra burgessensis and Paterina zenobia represent a mechanism to obstruct the excessive intake of fine particles.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

The possibility to either detect the reflected ultrasound waves of the obstructed elements directly, or alternatively to identify obstructed elements on anatomical 3-dimensional MR image, allows for identification and subsequent disabling of critical transducer elements (Fig. 5).

Cancer Imaging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obstruct the possibility", ensure the context clearly indicates what action or situation is causing the obstruction and what potential outcome is being hindered.

Common error

Avoid using "obstruct the possibility" when a situation merely delays or complicates an outcome, rather than completely preventing it. Use milder terms like "delay" or "complicate" if the possibility still exists, however diminished.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obstruct the possibility" functions as a verb phrase where "obstruct" acts as the verb and "the possibility" serves as the direct object. It describes the action of hindering or blocking a potential outcome. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "obstruct the possibility" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the act of hindering or preventing a potential outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable. It finds application across diverse contexts, including science, news, and formal communication, and it is essential to consider milder alternatives such as "delay" or "complicate" when complete prevention is not the intended meaning. Being aware of common errors and the degree of obstruction is important when using this phrase. The phrase is appropriate for professional and academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impede the possibility

This alternative suggests a slowing or hindering effect, rather than a complete blockage.

hinder the prospect

This option focuses on diminishing the likelihood of something occurring, rather than direct obstruction.

impair the likelihood

Similar to "hinder the prospect", it emphasizes reducing the probability or chance.

prevent the chance

This phrase indicates an action that stops an opportunity from arising.

block the opportunity

Suggests a more direct and forceful prevention of an opportunity.

preclude the option

Indicates making something impossible or ruling it out entirely.

eliminate the potential

Focuses on removing any future capacity or unrealized ability.

undermine the feasibility

Suggests weakening the practical likelihood of something succeeding.

derail the prospect

Suggests taking something off course, causing a failure in its potential.

stifle the chance

This implies suppressing or restraining a potential opportunity.

FAQs

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

You can use "obstruct the possibility" to describe actions or situations that prevent a potential outcome. For example: "The new regulations may obstruct the possibility of innovation."

What are some alternatives to "obstruct the possibility"?

You can use alternatives like "impede the possibility", "hinder the prospect", or "prevent the chance" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "obstruct the possibility" and "prevent the possibility"?

"Obstruct the possibility" suggests a hindrance or blockage, while "prevent the possibility" implies a complete stopping of something from happening. The first one is less strong compared to the second one.

Is it formal to use "obstruct the possibility"?

While appropriate in professional and academic contexts, consider using alternatives like "impede the possibility" or "hinder the prospect" in more formal settings.