obstructs the road

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obstructs the road" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where something is blocking or impeding the passage on a road. Example: "The fallen tree obstructs the road, making it impassable for vehicles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The "dedication" of a road to the public may also be decisive of whether, under Alabama law, obstructing the road constitutes a crime, Beverly v. State, 28 Ala.App.

Cornell University

The authorities in Baton Rouge, where Mr. Sterling was fatally shot early Tuesday, said they had arrested more than 100 people, charging most with obstructing the road.

The New York Times

The authorities arrested more than 100 people in connection with a protest outside the city's police headquarters, charging most of them with obstructing the road.

The New York Times

The former coach driver, who turned 100 in July, accrued just two motoring convictions over all those years: a speeding offence about 30 years ago and another for obstructing the road.

Independent

Ministers said the courts were used to using the judicial nuisance and annoyance test, which is also used in cases involving those who obstruct the road or abuse alcohol in public.

The Guardian

A webcam provides a live view of access across the Strood, while a corresponding website lists upcoming high tides and the likelihood of obstructing the road.

Wikipedia

I think they realised that they couldn't get us for obstructing the road since this is a private highway rather than a public one". .

Vice

Typically, the Viet Minh ambushed convoys by obstructing the road with a fallen tree or pile of boulders, and then destroying the first and last vehicles of the halted convey with remote mines.

Wikipedia

Besides these patient factors, health services factors may be obstructing the road to tuberculosis treatment as well [ 8].

BMC Health Services Research

About 400 revellers attended the block party, obstructing the roads to traffic as sound systems were set up in the street.

The Guardian

A man, aged 41, from the Glossop area was arrested on suspicion of obstructing police and the road, said a police spokesman.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an obstruction, be specific about what "obstructs the road". For example, "a fallen tree obstructs the road" is clearer than just "something obstructs the road".

Common error

Avoid using "it obstructs the road" without specifying what "it" refers to. Ensure the subject is clear to provide context and meaning to your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obstructs the road" functions as a verb phrase where the verb "obstructs" acts upon the noun phrase "the road". It describes an action that impacts the road's usability. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Academia

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obstructs the road" is grammatically correct and functions as a verb phrase describing an action that impedes passage on a road. While Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is valid, the analyzed data shows it is relatively rare. The phrase is suitable for various contexts, from news reports to academic papers, maintaining a neutral register. Related phrases such as "blocks the road" or "impedes the road" offer similar meanings with slight variations in nuance. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what exactly is causing the obstruction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blocks the road

Changes the verb from "obstructs" to "blocks", a more direct synonym.

impedes the road

Replaces "obstructs" with "impedes", suggesting a slower or more gradual blockage.

obstructs traffic flow

Adds "traffic flow" for emphasis on the consequence of the obstruction.

hampers road passage

Uses "hampers" instead of "obstructs", indicating difficulty in passing.

prevents road access

Focuses on the inability to access the road due to the obstruction.

closes off the road

Indicates a complete closure of the road.

makes the road impassable

Highlights the consequence of the obstruction: the road cannot be used.

disrupts road traffic

Focuses on the disruption caused to road traffic.

restricts passage on the road

Indicates that passage is limited or difficult, but not necessarily impossible.

creates a road blockage

Rephrases the action as the creation of a "road blockage".

FAQs

How can I use "obstructs the road" in a sentence?

You can use "obstructs the road" to describe something that is blocking or impeding passage on a road. For instance, "The accident "obstructs the road", causing a traffic jam".

What are some alternatives to "obstructs the road"?

Alternatives include "blocks the road", "impedes the road", or "disrupts road traffic". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "obstructs the road" formal or informal?

"Obstructs the road" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding vocabulary and tone. It's frequently found in news reports, legal documents, and general descriptions.

What's the difference between "obstructs the road" and "blocks the road"?

While similar, "obstructs the road" might suggest a partial or less complete blockage compared to "blocks the road", which often implies a full and complete obstruction.