obstruction to

USAGE SUMMARY

"obstruction to" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that interferes with or blocks progress towards a goal. Example: The severe snowstorm was an obstruction to our plans for a weekend getaway.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is too much obstruction to traffic".

The New York Times

But Fallis doesn't see motherhood as an obstruction to creation.

The Guardian - Arts

Now that's an unusual obstruction to play around.

The New York Times

"The main obstruction to reform came from the very people who hired us to do this job," he said.

The New Yorker

Long white gloves should be advocated, even though they present an obstruction to the crucial symbolic moment of marrying.

The New Yorker

They merely felt that any legislative obstruction to satisfactory profits and quick deliveries should be removed as quickly as possible.

The New Yorker

In the stadium's first game, the high-definition boards proved to be an obstruction — to the ball.

The New York Times

I feared becoming an obstruction to be navigated round: a succubus draining life from the family host.

The Guardian

He saw any patronage not his own as an obstruction to state-party power (meaning, of course, to Stalin himself).

The New York Times

Obstruction to tributaries may occur, which is usually associated with severe chest pain.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's a lethal obstruction to progress.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obstruction to", ensure clarity by specifying what is being obstructed. For example, instead of saying "there was an obstruction to progress", specify "the lack of funding was an obstruction to progress".

Common error

Avoid using "obstruction to" without clearly defining what is being obstructed. This can lead to ambiguity and weaken your writing. Always provide context to ensure the meaning is clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obstruction to" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically followed by another noun that specifies what is being obstructed. It identifies something that impedes or blocks progress. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is indeed accurate and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

52%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obstruction to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to identify something hindering progress. Ludwig confirms its validity for use in written English. Its formality is generally neutral, with applications leaning towards scientific and news reporting. When employing this phrase, ensure you clearly specify what is being obstructed to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like ""impediment to"" or "barrier to" can be used for similar effect. Remember to provide adequate context for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impediment to

Replaces "obstruction" with "impediment", offering a slightly more formal tone while retaining the core meaning of something that hinders progress.

hindrance to

Substitutes "obstruction" with "hindrance", suggesting a barrier or something that delays or prevents action.

barrier to

Replaces "obstruction" with "barrier", indicating something that physically or metaphorically blocks progress.

obstacle to

Substitutes "obstruction" with "obstacle", suggesting something that stands in the way and needs to be overcome.

blockage to

Replaces "obstruction" with "blockage", implying a more physical or literal sense of something being blocked.

interference with

Shifts the focus slightly from a static blockage to an active disruption or meddling.

encumbrance to

Replaces "obstruction" with "encumbrance", suggesting a burden or something that weighs down progress.

deterrent to

Changes the meaning to something that discourages or prevents action, rather than directly blocking it.

restraint on

Implies a limitation or restriction on freedom or action.

limitation on

Similar to "restraint on", but emphasizes the restriction itself rather than the act of restraining.

FAQs

How can I use "obstruction to" in a sentence?

Use "obstruction to" to indicate something that blocks or hinders progress. For instance, "Bureaucracy can be a significant "impediment to" innovation".

What are some alternatives to "obstruction to"?

Alternatives include "barrier to", ""impediment to"", or "hindrance to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "obstruction of" instead of "obstruction to"?

While "obstruction of" is also correct, it typically refers to the act of obstructing something (e.g., "obstruction of justice"). "Obstruction to" refers to something that causes the blockage or hindrance (e.g., "an obstruction to progress").

What is the difference between "obstacle to" and "obstruction to"?

"Obstacle to" and "obstruction to" are largely interchangeable. However, "obstruction to" might imply a more forceful or significant blockage than "obstacle to".