overcoming obstacles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overcoming obstacles" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of overcoming challenges or difficulties in order to achieve a goal. Example: "Despite facing numerous obstacles, she persevered and succeeded in her career as a female CEO."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's about friendship, it's about overcoming obstacles, it's about America".

The Guardian - Film

"My whole life has been overcoming obstacles," he said.

The New York Times

You've become a productive member of society while overcoming obstacles.

The New York Times - Magazine

But overcoming obstacles like this is what leaders are for.

The New York Times

"Overcoming obstacles and motivating good people to do their best work".

The Guardian

"I do not spend time worrying about overcoming obstacles," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

Teamwork is one of the race's defining attributes; overcoming obstacles is another.

The New York Times - Sports

Different sections have titles like "Overcoming Obstacles," "Unexpected Outcomes" and "Innovation Process".

The New York Times - Arts

We like to tell and hear stories about people overcoming obstacles to become glorious heroes.

The Guardian - Tech

They often provide precious insights into lessons learned and overcoming obstacles.

The Guardian

A strong sense of overcoming obstacles — injuries, doubters — has remained with him throughout.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about achievements, use "overcoming obstacles" to highlight the challenges faced and the resilience shown in achieving success.

Common error

While "overcoming obstacles" is effective, avoid using it repetitively. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "surmounting challenges" or "triumphing over adversity" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overcoming obstacles" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It describes the action of surmounting difficulties. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe personal qualities, plot elements in stories, or strategies for success.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overcoming obstacles" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that functions as a gerund or noun phrase, emphasizing the act of successfully navigating challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and broad applicability across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When using the phrase, aim for clarity and contextually appropriate synonyms to enhance your writing. Remember, the phrase is suitable for professional and general use, highlighting themes of resilience and success.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surmounting challenges

Focuses on a more general sense of challenges rather than specific obstacles.

triumphing over adversity

Emphasizes the adversity faced, highlighting a significant struggle.

conquering difficulties

Highlights the difficulties faced, implying a strong effort to overcome them.

prevailing against hardships

Underscores the harshness of the situation and the act of successfully enduring it.

battling through adversity

Implies an ongoing struggle and sustained effort to overcome difficulties.

navigating difficulties

Suggests a careful and strategic approach to managing and overcoming challenges.

addressing challenges

Focuses on directly dealing with and resolving difficulties.

rising above difficulties

Emphasizes the act of surpassing or exceeding the limitations imposed by challenges.

weathering storms

Uses a metaphorical approach to describe enduring and surviving difficult times.

getting through tough times

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of the difficulties and the act of progressing past them.

FAQs

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

You can use "overcoming obstacles" to describe how someone or something has succeeded despite difficulties. For example, "Her success was a testament to "overcoming obstacles" and never giving up."

What are some alternatives to "overcoming obstacles"?

Some alternatives include "surmounting challenges", "triumphing over adversity", and "conquering difficulties". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

"Overcoming obstacles" functions as a gerund phrase or a noun phrase, while "overcome obstacles" is a verb phrase. The choice depends on the sentence structure. For example, "Overcoming obstacles requires resilience," versus "She had to "overcome obstacles" to succeed."

What does it mean to talk about a story of "overcoming obstacles"?

A story of ""overcoming obstacles"" is one where the central theme revolves around characters facing and successfully navigating challenges. It highlights themes of resilience, determination, and the human spirit's ability to endure.