overcome obstacles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overcome obstacles" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to express the idea that someone has managed to triumph over a challenge. For example, "Through hard work and determination, she was able to overcome the obstacles in her way and reach her goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What he did to overcome obstacles in his childhood.

The Guardian

No test can measure creativity, perseverance, capability to overcome obstacles.

The New York Times

Are there people who can overcome obstacles to innovation?

Columbia University

He has overcome obstacles that would have deterred most people.

Columbia University

How did you overcome obstacles in your research?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Sometimes countries have to overcome obstacles at home.

The Economist

WHEN have you overcome obstacles and tried something truly challenging?

The New York Times

Be prepared to overcome obstacles in places you didn't expect them.

The Guardian

"It's beautiful, fiercely independent, able to overcome obstacles, and closely identified with the American dream.

The New York Times

Using a robot, engineers could take weeks to overcome obstacles or finish the work, he added.

The New York Times - Science

You don't have to strive and overcome obstacles in the form of older, more developed kids.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process that involves strategic planning to deal with difficulties, consider using "navigate challenges" instead of "overcome obstacles".

Common error

Avoid using "overcome obstacles" to describe situations where the challenges disappeared without effort or intervention. This phrase implies a deliberate and active process of surmounting difficulties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overcome obstacles" functions as an infinitive verb phrase. It describes the action of successfully dealing with challenges or difficulties. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its versatility in expressing resilience and achievement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

22%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "overcome obstacles" is a versatile and commonly used expression that highlights the act of successfully dealing with challenges. As Ludwig confirms, its grammatical structure is correct, and it appears frequently across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academic writing. While alternatives like "surmount challenges" and "triumph over adversity" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use "overcome obstacles" when emphasizing the active and deliberate process of conquering difficulties, and avoid it in situations where challenges simply disappear. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "overcome obstacles" to communicate resilience and achievement in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surmount challenges

Emphasizes the act of rising above or conquering difficulties, suggesting a more active approach.

triumph over adversity

Highlights the victory achieved despite facing unfavorable conditions or misfortune.

prevail against hardships

Focuses on enduring and succeeding despite experiencing significant difficulties and suffering.

conquer difficulties

Implies a forceful and decisive overcoming of obstacles, suggesting a strong and determined approach.

rise above limitations

Highlights transcending personal or external constraints, focusing on exceeding boundaries.

navigate challenges

Emphasizes skillful maneuvering through complex difficulties, implying careful planning and execution.

beat the odds

Suggests succeeding despite low probabilities or unfavorable circumstances, highlighting unexpected success.

break through barriers

Focuses on overcoming restrictive impediments, often implying a significant achievement or innovation.

weather the storm

Highlights enduring through a turbulent period, implying resilience and perseverance during difficult times.

address difficulties

More neutral and understated, focusing on managing difficulties rather than necessarily overcoming them completely.

FAQs

How can I use "overcome obstacles" in a sentence?

You can use "overcome obstacles" to describe how someone achieved a goal despite difficulties. For example, "She had to "overcome obstacles" to get where she is today."

What can I say instead of "overcome obstacles"?

You can use alternatives like "surmount challenges", "triumph over adversity", or "prevail against hardships depending on the context.

Is it better to say "overcome obstacles" or "surmount obstacles"?

Both "overcome obstacles" and "surmount obstacles" are correct and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on stylistic preference, although "overcome" is generally more common.

What's the difference between "overcome obstacles" and "address obstacles"?

"Overcome obstacles" implies successfully conquering challenges. "Address obstacles", on the other hand, suggests dealing with difficulties, not necessarily eliminating them. It can refer to finding workarounds or managing problems.