obstructing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obstructing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of blocking or hindering progress, movement, or an action. Example: "The fallen tree was obstructing the road, making it difficult for cars to pass."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rodriguez was also cited for obstructing the investigation and for violating the Basic Agreement which is the master document that lays out protocol between the Players and Major League Baseball.

The Guardian - Sport

After Kennedy-Macfoy was shot with the Taser, he was arrested and charged with obstructing police.

The Guardian

In 2013, she was charged with (and subsequently cleared of) obstructing the highway and failing to comply with a police request to move when protesting against Cuadrilla's exploratory drilling for shale gas in Balcombe.

The Guardian

George and I were eventually charged with "obstructing police officers" and "travel fraud".

The Guardian

Which was a strange thing to hear from a man who chose to spend his Saturday afternoon obstructing the path of 20 charging bulls.

The Guardian - Sport

Volz described the couple's predicament as "institutional kidnapping" and accused powers inside Qatar of influencing and obstructing the judicial process.

The Guardian

The latest of these was the Cloyne Report which showed that not only the local bishop, John Magee, but also the Vatican were still obstructing the civil power, ie the Garda Síochána, in their inquiries into allegations against priests in the County Cork diocese.

The Guardian

When Costa told Iemma there was no basis to Obeid's claims Sydney Water was "obstructing" AWH, he relayed the information to Obeid who said the treasurer had it wrong and he would speak to him personally.

The Guardian

This is the context for the corporation's case, which is seeking to evict the protesters because they are obstructing public highways.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He was concerned Sydney Water was disadvantaging the company, obstructing the company and that would have an adverse impact on the company".

The Guardian

Critics may keep obstructing parliamentary business unless the government backs down.What is more, Indian states are not obliged to follow the central government's lead.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obstructing", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being blocked or hindered, providing specific details for clarity.

Common error

While "obstructing" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in highly formal writing. Opt for more precise or sophisticated synonyms like "impeding" or "hindering" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "obstructing" is as a present participle or gerund of the verb "obstruct". It can act as part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "is obstructing") or as a noun (gerund) describing the act of blocking. As Ludwig AI explains, the word is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obstructing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term that describes the act of blocking or hindering progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate in a variety of contexts, predominantly appearing in news and media, but also found in formal and business settings. When writing, focus on context and clarity, detailing the specific element that is being obstructed. For formal writing, synonyms such as "impeding" may be more appropriate. Ludwig's examples show its usage across various credible sources, making it a reliable term for everyday and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impeding

A more formal synonym, emphasizing the slowing down or hindering of progress.

hindering

Similar to impeding, but can also imply creating difficulties.

blocking

A more direct and physical term for preventing passage or progress.

hampering

Suggests interference that limits movement or effectiveness.

thwarting

Implies actively preventing someone's plans or efforts from succeeding.

inhibiting

Focuses on restraining or preventing an action or process.

stymieing

Means presenting an obstacle; often used in the context of investigations or plans.

obstructs

Third person singular form, use depends on the subject's number.

obstructed

Past simple and past participle form, use depends on when the action happened.

interfering with

Indicates meddling or involvement that disrupts or prevents something.

FAQs

How to use "obstructing" in a sentence?

Use "obstructing" to describe something that is blocking or hindering progress, such as, "The fallen debris was "obstructing" the road".

What can I say instead of "obstructing"?

You can use alternatives like "impeding", "hindering", or "blocking" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "obstructing" or "obstructing of"?

"Obstructing" is generally correct. "Obstructing of" is less common and often unnecessary. For example, say "obstructing justice" rather than "obstructing of justice".

What's the difference between "obstructing" and "impeding"?

"Obstructing" implies a more complete blockage, while "impeding" suggests slowing down or hindering progress without necessarily stopping it completely.