obstruct with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obstruct with" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward in certain contexts.
It can be used when describing the act of hindering or blocking something using a specific object or method. Example: "The fallen tree obstructed with the road, making it impassable for vehicles."

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Government efforts to enfranchise more Palestinians had been obstructed with protests.

The Economist

We recognize that the term "impaction" suggests that the ear canal is completely obstructed with cerumen and that our definition of cerumen impaction does not require a complete obstruction.

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

The camera isn't disconnected, however, because its "field of view is completely obstructed with the lid closed".

TechCrunch

On December 27, 2000, CHILD visited ENT Associates, where Dr. Grace Matesic observed that CHILD's left PE tube was obstructed with crust.

Huffington Post

In this study, we show that activated T lymphocytes are crucially dependent on Nampt activity for their function and survival as they face massive NAD+ depletion and cell demise when this enzyme is obstructed with FK866.

Plosone

Cystic fibrosis patients have constitutive high levels of IL-8 in their blood and sputum, and their lungs are obstructed with dead neutrophils and colonized by S. aureus or P. aeruginosa [16].

Plosone

The extrahepatic common bile duct is pulled out, fixed with forceps, and obstructed with a piece of string (Fig. 2D).

BMC Gastroenterology

The opening of the cup at the hilum was obstructed with fat and the kidney was covered with mineral oil.

F1000Research

Even when the pancreatic duct is obstructed with protein or stones in chronic pancreatitis, ascending infections are not reported.

BMC Gastroenterology

Primarily it is the lungs and pancreas that are affected, with the small airways of the lungs and the pancreatic ducts being obstructed with the viscous tenacious mucus.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

The distal small intestine was obstructed with a single ligature placed 10 cm proximal to the ileocecal junction in IO rats for 24 hrs.

BMC Gastroenterology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obstruct with", ensure the object causing the obstruction is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "The road was obstructed with fallen debris" is clearer than "The road was obstructed."

Common error

Avoid using "obstruct with" when simpler verbs like "block" or "clog" are more appropriate. Using "block" or "clog" usually results in a more concise sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obstruct with" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of blocking or hindering something by means of a specific object or substance. This is evident in Ludwig's examples, where physical objects are the agents of obstruction.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obstruct with" is a grammatically acceptable phrase used to describe the act of blocking something using a specific object or material. While Ludwig AI notes that it is not incorrect, the usage of "obstruct with" is relatively uncommon. The phrase is often used in neutral contexts, such as news reports and scientific articles. For alternatives, consider more concise options like "block with" or "clog with" for improved clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

block with

A more direct and common synonym for hindering progress.

clog with

Implies a complete blockage or filling.

impede with

Suggests a slowing down or obstruction of progress, similar to "obstruct".

hinder with

Similar to impede, but can also suggest a prevention of action.

burden with

Suggests weighing down or overloading.

obstruct by means of

Formal rephrasing indicating a method of obstruction.

obstruct using

Similar to 'by means of', indicating the tool or method of obstruction.

fill and block

Expresses a combined action, adding nuance.

cover and obstruct

A description that indicates an action that simultaneously cover and obstruct.

restrict with

Suggests limiting movement or access.

FAQs

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

Use "obstruct with" to describe a situation where something is blocked or hindered by a specific object. For instance, "The passage was obstructed with rubble".

What's a more common alternative to "obstruct with"?

Alternatives include "block with", "clog with", or "impede with", depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to specify what is obstructing something?

While not always necessary, specifying what is obstructing something clarifies your meaning and avoids ambiguity. For example, instead of "The view was obstructed", specify "The view was obstructed with a building".

How does "obstruct with" differ from simply "obstruct"?

"Obstruct" alone implies hindering or blocking something. "Obstruct with" specifies the object or material causing the obstruction. The phrase specifies the cause or the agent of the obstruction