obstructed path

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obstructed path" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a route or way that is blocked or hindered in some manner. Example: "The hikers had to turn back due to the obstructed path caused by fallen trees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Mr. Buchanan was grateful for an apparently less obstructed path to the nomination.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, of this weekend's wild card teams, the Cowboys look like they have the least obstructed path to Miami.

The New Yorker

It's ease and utility clears the once obstructed path of neuronal studies.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

As stated by Mital et al. (2017) and Karger and Bayha (1987), walking time per foot is 17.0 TMU (0.0102 min) for obstructed paths and 37.2 TMU (0.02232 min) per turn.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

"If I had obstructed his path, he didn't alter his path".

The New York Times - Sports

Even before American caramels first underwent a salty makeover, in the late 1990s, they were always the ones I pulled out of the box, discarding any chocolate-covered cherries and marshmallows that obstructed my path.

The New York Times

Until recently conventional histories of architecture treated the 19th century as an unfortunate period in which historicist architects needlessly obstructed the path to a new architecture based on technology and engineering.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Jimmie Lee Solomon of the commissioner's office told Phillips the umpires believed Chuck Knoblauch would have been safe at second base on his first-inning double had first baseman Todd Zeile not obstructed his path to the base.

The New York Times - Sports

Dancers in imaginative traveling outfits might have obstructed your path or simply distracted you with some ferocious funny business on the floor.

Los Angeles Times

But external pressure has stood in the way, obstructing the path to political equality and national reconciliation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Back at the farm, Murray Marks shivers at the sight of a spider hanging from a large web obstructing our path.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a metaphorical "obstructed path", consider using more vivid verbs to specify how the path is blocked. For example, instead of saying "the path was obstructed by challenges", you could say "the path was riddled with challenges" or "the path was besieged by challenges" to add impact.

Common error

Avoid using "obstructed path" in overly abstract or cliché situations. Overusing it can dilute the impact of your writing. Instead, try to use more specific and descriptive language that directly reflects the nature of the obstacle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obstructed path" functions as a noun phrase where "obstructed" modifies "path". Based on Ludwig AI, it correctly describes a route or way that is blocked or hindered in some way.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obstructed path" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, typically functioning as a noun phrase. It is used to describe a route or way that is blocked or hindered, either literally or metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers examples from diverse sources. While relatively uncommon, the phrase appears in news, scientific, and general writing contexts. Alternative phrases like "blocked route" or "impeded way" can be used for variety. When using "obstructed path", consider more vivid verbs and avoid overuse in abstract contexts to maintain the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obstructed route

Synonymous, simply replaces "path" with "route".

blocked route

Emphasizes the physical blockage of a route.

impeded way

Focuses on the hindering of progress along a path.

blocked passage

Highlights the inability to pass through a certain area.

restricted access

Similar to impeded access. It highlights limited access.

hindered progress

Shifts the focus to the progress being affected rather than the path itself.

impeded access

Highlights that the access is being blocked.

barricaded path

Emphasizes a path that has been fortified or blocked off with a barrier.

unclear route

Highlights that the path is not clearly defined.

difficult passage

Focuses on the trouble while passing by.

FAQs

How can I use "obstructed path" in a sentence?

You can use "obstructed path" to describe a route that is blocked or hindered. For instance, "The hikers had to turn back due to the obstructed path caused by fallen trees."

What are some alternatives to "obstructed path"?

Some alternatives include "blocked route", "impeded way", or "restricted access", depending on the specific context.

Is "obstructed path" formal or informal language?

"Obstructed path" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure will influence the overall tone.

Can "obstructed path" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "obstructed path" can be used metaphorically to describe challenges or obstacles that hinder progress towards a goal. For example, "His career faced an obstructed path due to the company's restructuring."