overcome an obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overcome an obstacle" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to successfully deal with or surmount a difficulty or challenge. Example: The team had to work together to overcome the obstacle of a tight deadline, but they were able to complete the project on time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The Co-op has also found a way to overcome an obstacle that thwarts most employers.

The Guardian - Money

And again he is in a familiar role, having to overcome an obstacle.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is great that a way was found to overcome an obstacle that technology alone could not resolve".

The New Yorker

Researchers say they've overcome an obstacle to making highly efficient solar devices by combining silicon with a new material.

MIT Technology Review

He wants money for an online game; he's been trying so hard to overcome an obstacle, but he needs a weapon.

The New York Times

As soon as you say it, you diminish your power and put yourself in a position of having to overcome an obstacle you've put in your own way.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Cast out by his parents, Shrek meets a witch who tells his fortune, overcomes an obstacle or two and wins his princess.

The New York Times

Is there a story where you struggled, learned a lesson, and overcame an obstacle?

Forbes

An expert possesses knowledge that is usually focused on a singular set of skills for the purpose of achieving success or overcoming an obstacle for a particular activity without working beyond the foundational scope.

Huffington Post

This could be between two people, an internal conflict, or one in which the main character overcomes an obstacle in the outside world.

WikiHow

When coolant is introduced, the flow field has to overcome an additional obstacle when compared to a smooth surface.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overcome an obstacle" in your writing, ensure the context clearly defines the nature and significance of the obstacle. This provides a better understanding of the achievement.

Common error

Avoid using "overcome an obstacle" without specifying what the obstacle is. Readers need to understand the challenge faced to appreciate the accomplishment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overcome an obstacle" functions as a verbal phrase expressing the action of successfully dealing with a challenge or difficulty. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is correct and used in written english.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "overcome an obstacle" is a versatile expression used to describe the successful navigation of a challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage in written English. It finds frequent use in contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While alternatives like "surmount a hurdle" or "conquer a challenge" exist, the key is to specify the obstacle to provide clarity. By understanding its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and level of formality, writers can effectively use "overcome an obstacle" to convey achievement and resilience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surmount a hurdle

Changes the noun from "obstacle" to "hurdle" and the verb from "overcome" to "surmount", maintaining a similar meaning.

conquer a challenge

Replaces "obstacle" with "challenge" and "overcome" with "conquer", suggesting a more forceful approach.

triumph over adversity

Emphasizes the difficulty of the situation by using "adversity" instead of "obstacle" and "triumph" to show a significant victory.

prevail against difficulty

Uses "difficulty" to replace "obstacle" and "prevail" to signify success despite hardship.

beat the odds

An idiomatic expression that conveys overcoming unlikely or difficult circumstances.

rise above a problem

Suggests a way of dealing with a difficulty and gaining a better position relative to it.

break through a barrier

Uses the metaphor of "barrier" to represent an obstacle that is overcome with force.

navigate a difficulty

Implies careful and skillful handling of a challenging situation.

get past an impediment

Uses "impediment" as a more formal synonym for "obstacle" and "get past" for "overcome".

clear an obstruction

Presents the obstacle as an "obstruction" that needs to be removed or "cleared".

FAQs

How can I use "overcome an obstacle" in a sentence?

You can use "overcome an obstacle" to describe a situation where someone successfully deals with a challenge. For example, "The team had to "overcome an obstacle" to meet the project deadline".

What are some alternatives to saying "overcome an obstacle"?

Alternatives include "surmount a hurdle", "conquer a challenge", or "triumph over adversity", depending on the context and the degree of difficulty.

Is it better to say "overcome an obstacle" or "overcome obstacles"?

Both are grammatically correct. "Overcome an obstacle" refers to a specific challenge, while "overcome obstacles" refers to multiple challenges. The choice depends on whether you are referring to a single or multiple challenges.

What is the difference between "overcome an obstacle" and "face an obstacle"?

"Face an obstacle" simply means encountering a challenge. "Overcome an obstacle" implies successfully dealing with and resolving that challenge. Facing an obstacle is the first step; overcoming it is the achievement.