obstructing the view of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obstructing the view of" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it in a sentence when referring to something that is blocking or preventing you from seeing something else. For example, "The tall building was obstructing the view of the sun setting over the ocean."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

On the second floor, the two are joined by a long corridor that switches back to connect to the museum cafe, obstructing the view of the garden below.

The New York Times - Arts

The project won accolades from numerous environmental groups and several public officials, while a few local groups and officials objected to obstructing the view of the horizon and questioned the windmills' potential effects on birds and fish.

The New York Times

The picture she sent us (which we cannot post) shows they were very much in the gods, with the roof of the building almost entirely obstructing the view of the divers as they stood on the board.

The Guardian - Sport

Questions pop up, like whether obstructing the view of a license plate is illegal (yes), or whether throwing mud on a plate is an innocuous dodge (maybe, but it can still get you stopped by police).

The New York Times

Most of the supporting cast members have chosen to follow Mr. Law's semaphore style, though in a scaled-down manner that befits a team that knows its raison d'être is to avoid obstructing the view of the name above the title.

The New York Times

Due to the electrode being metal that has a strong OCT reflectivity, the electrode invariably casts a shadow underneath obstructing the view of the entire imaging depth.

Biomedical Optics Express

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Opponents say it will clutter the Mall, obstructing the views of both memorials.

The New York Times

The goal angered Depor as Gareth Bale was offside, and although he did not touch the ball, he may have obstructed the view of goalkeeper German Lux.

Independent

The clouds above us did not obstruct the view of two other islands, Terceira to the right and Graciosa to the left.

The New York Times - Travel

Instead, the focus was on innovative activities that make the most of life sentences or descriptions of how inmates conspire to obstruct the view of prison guards during nocturnal armed assaults.

The New York Times

On the night of Sept. 21, 2002, an officer at a juvenile detention center along the New Jersey shore propped open a door to obstruct the view of a security camera.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing construction projects or renovations, clearly state how the changes will avoid "obstructing the view of" important landmarks or natural features.

Common error

Avoid passive constructions that obscure who or what is doing the obstructing. Instead of 'The view was obstructed,' specify 'The building was "obstructing the view of" the mountains.'

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obstructing the view of" acts as a verb phrase functioning as a gerund phrase which often modifies a noun or pronoun, describing something that is blocking or hindering the ability to see something. This is confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "obstructing the view of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something blocking or hindering a visual perspective. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While alternatives like "blocking the sight of" or "obscuring the vision of" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure active voice to clearly identify the cause of the obstruction. It’s also important to be aware of potential legal implications, particularly in real estate development. Top sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, indicating its widespread acceptance and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blocking the sight of

Replaces "view" with "sight", focusing on the act of perceiving rather than the range of vision.

obscuring the vision of

Uses "obscuring" to emphasize making something unclear, and "vision" to refer to the ability to see.

impeding the line of sight to

More formal, replacing "view" with "line of sight", specifying what is being blocked.

masking the visibility of

Focuses on the degree to which something can be seen using "visibility".

concealing the outlook of

Employs "concealing" to highlight hiding something, and "outlook" as a synonym for view.

shadowing the panorama of

Suggests casting a shadow over a wide or impressive view.

screening the vista of

Implies using a screen or barrier that to partially block something impressive or beautiful.

blanketing the perspective on

Indicates covering or overwhelming a particular viewpoint.

shrouding the field of vision for

Suggests covering or enveloping a wide visual area.

blacking out the scene for

Suggests completely blocking the field of view, resulting in not being able to see something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "obstructing the view of"?

Alternatives include "blocking the sight of", "obscuring the vision of", or "impeding the line of sight to", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "obstructing the view to" instead of "obstructing the view of"?

While "obstructing the view to" might be understood, "obstructing the view of" is the more common and grammatically preferred construction.

What is the difference between "obstructing the view of" and "blocking the view of"?

While similar, "obstructing the view of" suggests a partial or less complete blockage, whereas "blocking the view of" suggests a more complete prevention of sight. The choice depends on the degree of obstruction you want to convey.

Can "obstructing the view of" have legal implications?

Yes, particularly in real estate or construction, "obstructing the view of" can lead to legal disputes if property owners feel their agreed-upon or historical views are being unfairly blocked by new developments.