obstruct the view

USAGE SUMMARY

"obstruct the view" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is blocking or hindering one's ability to see something clearly or fully. This can be used in various contexts, such as when describing physical obstructions like trees or buildings, or figuratively when describing hindrances to understanding or perception. Example: "The tall buildings in the city obstruct the view of the mountains in the distance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

The big rear wing can obstruct the view.

The New York Times

There are no pillars or posts to obstruct the view.

The New York Times

However, clouds and associated cloud shadows frequently obstruct the view of the land surface.

Remote Sensing of Environment

The applier has a malleable shaft and is designed to minimally obstruct the view of the surgical field.

World Neurosurgery

The interior décor is institutional, but, with almost floor to ceiling windows, it doesn't obstruct the view.

The New York Times

It's cumbersome, but a window unit would obstruct the view, and the portable can be wheeled into a closet when not in use.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

"Even the railings on the terraces are glass, so they don't obstruct the views".

The New York Times

Its high-rise office buildings obstruct the views from medina rooftops and donkeys have long been replaced by BMW's.

The New York Times

The new bleacher seats will be 35 feet high, which means they will not obstruct the views of the rooftop decks across the street.

The New York Times - Sports

Instead of building a high wall that would obstruct the views, the land running back from the water's edge would be raised.

The New York Times

These men were not trained in police work, and served to crowd the area in front of the President and obstruct the views of the detectives and Secret Service.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing visual obstructions, be specific about what is doing the obstructing and what is being obstructed to create a clearer image for the reader. For instance, instead of just saying "The trees obstruct the view", specify "The dense trees obstruct the view of the ocean."

Common error

While "obstruct the view" is a correct and common phrase, avoid overuse in formal writing. Substitute with more precise verbs like "obscure", "impede", or "hinder" to add nuance and sophistication to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obstruct the view" primarily functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It describes the action of something blocking or hindering one's ability to see something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

21%

Science

29%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obstruct the view" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to describe the act of something blocking a visual perspective. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and suitable for various contexts. Its usage spans across news, science, and general writing. For more formal or nuanced writing, consider alternatives like "impede the visibility" or "hinder the sightline". Be specific in your descriptions to maximize clarity for the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

block the line of sight

Replaces "obstruct" with "block" and "view" with "line of sight", offering a more literal description of the action.

impede the visibility

Substitutes "obstruct" with "impede" and "view" with "visibility", focusing on the impairment of seeing clearly.

hinder the sightline

Uses "hinder" in place of "obstruct" and "sightline" instead of "view", emphasizing the obstruction of a direct visual path.

obscure the perspective

Replaces "obstruct" with "obscure" and "view" with "perspective", suggesting a less direct or complete blockage of vision.

get in the way of the view

Uses a more idiomatic expression to describe the obstruction, focusing on physical placement.

mask the vista

Employs "mask" to represent the obstruction and "vista" for a scenic view, implying a covering or concealing effect.

screen the outlook

Utilizes "screen" to indicate a partial or filtering obstruction and "outlook" for the general view.

blanket the panorama

Indicates a complete covering or obstruction of a wide-ranging view using "blanket" and "panorama".

interrupt the field of vision

Focuses on the disturbance of a clear field of vision, replacing "obstruct" with "interrupt".

interfere with the scene

Substitutes "obstruct" with "interfere", highlighting a disruption or negative impact on the view or scene.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "obstruct the view" in a sentence?

You can replace "obstruct the view" with phrases like "block the line of sight", "impede the visibility", or "hinder the sightline" depending on the desired level of formality and specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "obstruct the view"?

Yes, the phrase "obstruct the view" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It follows the standard verb-object structure.

What's a more formal alternative to "obstruct the view"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "obscure the perspective" or "impede the visibility". These alternatives add a level of sophistication to your writing.

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

The phrase "obstruct the view" is suitable in various contexts, from describing physical obstacles like buildings or trees to more abstract hindrances in understanding or analysis. The specific nuance will depend on your field.