obstructed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obstructed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is blocked or hindered from moving or functioning properly. Example: "The view from the window was obstructed by the large tree in the front yard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a highly critical report on Monday, marking the first anniversary of the official outbreak in west Africa, the charity said the governments of Guinea and Sierra Leone obstructed the early response and contributed to the loss of life.

The Guardian

And each of these women has a similar story to Jaroben – obstructed labour, a dead infant and a future of incontinence.

The Guardian

If the results suggest that the airway is obstructed (in asthma, the muscles around the airways tighten and the lining of the airways becomes inflamed and swollen), Nice says that the next test is to see if there is improvement after use of an inhaler to widen the airways.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Footpaths, on the other hand, face a design problem, being barely a metre wide, and heavily obstructed.

The Guardian

He was summoned to respond to accusations that he has obstructed the court's investigation into communal killings in Kenya after disputed elections in 2007.

The Economist

And if digital reception is somehow obstructed, the IBOC chip can switch back to analogue, which tolerates weak or reflected signals.To station owners, the advantage of IBOC is that it does not require new transmitters or additional licences.

The Economist

For more than a decade Mr Fazio had obstructed all foreign bids for big Italian banks and some mergers between domestic ones.So far Mr Draghi has made a strong start.

The Economist

The newspaper also said SASAC wrote to the DRC saying it was untrue, as many reformers have asserted, that "the state [sector] is advancing and the private retreating .A prominent academic, quoted by another Chinese newspaper, said reforms were not being obstructed only by vested interests, but even more by a lack of enthusiasm among the general public.

The Economist

Mr Libby, a former chief of staff to Dick Cheney, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he obstructed an investigation into the leaking of a CIA officer's name to the press.More bad news on AIDS.

The Economist

Iraq's parliament, still full of MPs who are wary of foreigners coming to "steal Iraq's oil", have obstructed progress by failing to pass the required laws.

The Economist

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

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obstructed", consider the degree and nature of the blockage. Choose synonyms like "blocked", "impeded", or "hindered" for clarity and impact depending on the specific context.

Common error

While "obstructed" is a valid word, avoid using it in overly casual situations where simpler terms like "blocked" or "in the way" would be more appropriate. Save "obstructed" for more formal or technical writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "obstructed" is as the past participle or past tense of the verb "obstruct". As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes something that has been blocked or hindered.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obstructed" is a versatile term used to describe something blocked or hindered. As per Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, formal, and scientific contexts. While "obstructed" is commonly used, it's important to consider context and choose synonyms such as "blocked", "impeded", or "hindered" for greater clarity. Be mindful of the level of formality of your writing and try to prefer other similar terms in casual context. When describing something that is blocked from moving, use the term "obstructed" with confidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blocked

Direct synonym, implying physical prevention of passage or progress.

impeded

Suggests a slowing down or making difficult the progress of something.

hindered

Indicates an obstacle that delays or prevents an action.

thwarted

Implies the successful prevention of someone's plans or efforts.

hampered

Similar to hindered, but often suggests a more significant or cumbersome obstacle.

obstructed the view

Emphasizes the blockage of sight, often used literally.

occluded

More formal term for blocking, often used in medical or technical contexts.

inhibited

Suggests a restraint or suppression of something, rather than a physical barrier.

stymied

Implies being brought to a standstill or impasse.

constrained

Suggests limitations or restrictions that hinder free action.

FAQs

What does "obstructed" mean?

"Obstructed" means blocked, hindered, or prevented from moving forward or being visible. It implies an obstacle that impedes progress or view.

How can I use "obstructed" in a sentence?

You can use "obstructed" to describe a path, view, investigation, or process that has been blocked or hindered. For example, "The investigation was "hindered" by a lack of evidence" or "The road was "blocked" by a fallen tree".

What are some synonyms for "obstructed"?

Synonyms for "obstructed" include "blocked", "impeded", "hindered", "thwarted", and "hampered". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "obstructed" and "impeded"?

While both words mean to hinder or block, "obstructed" often implies a more complete or physical blockage, whereas "impeded" suggests a slowing down or making difficult. "The view was "obstructed" by the building" versus "Progress was "impeded" by bureaucracy".