physical obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "physical obstacle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a tangible barrier or hindrance that prevents movement or progress in a physical context. Example: "The fallen tree created a significant physical obstacle on the hiking trail, making it difficult for hikers to pass."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

But I like for there to be some physical obstacle to overcome, to help me focus.

The New Yorker

"I might say, 'I want to turn ShondaLand' " — Shonda Rhimes's production company, whose logo depicts a heart at the center of a glitzy roller coaster — " 'into a physical obstacle course.' Then we flesh it out.

The New Yorker

If he cannot pass under the obstacle either, then the walker tends to consider the physical obstacle impassable and will bypass it [34, 66, 67].

Open Geospatial Data, Software and Standards

Since there is no physical obstacle to the spread of all information, then there remain only appeals to morality, or economic justice, which might prevent distributing certain forms of information.

SEP

The application of pattern recognition could increase the efficiency of the method in terms of providing additional information about an object placed on the rails, the physical obstacle between the camera and the rails.

Urban Rail Transit

However, if a physical obstacle blocks the participant's desired path, but the possible bypass route for the obstacle is very costly in terms of metabolic energy or time, it is observed that in practice, the walker may attempt to pass over or under the obstacle by making further measurements.

Open Geospatial Data, Software and Standards

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

But physical obstacles matter.

Independent

This season, he must overcome physical obstacles, too.

The New York Times - Sports

Many churches and temples present physical obstacles as well.

The New York Times

On TV, producers heighten the reality, adding physical obstacles or psychological pressures.

The New York Times

It uses cameras, laser scanners, heat sensors and satellite navigation to sense other cars, pedestrians and physical obstacles.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing challenges, use "physical obstacle" to clearly indicate a tangible impediment rather than an abstract one. This provides clarity and grounds the issue in reality.

Common error

Avoid using "physical obstacle" when referring to non-tangible challenges like emotional or mental blocks. Instead, use terms like "emotional barrier" or "mental hurdle" to accurately reflect the nature of the difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "physical obstacle" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting a tangible barrier or impediment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, as shown in numerous examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "physical obstacle" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase, as Ludwig AI confirms. It serves to denote tangible impediments across a spectrum of contexts, from scientific discourse to news reporting. While versatile, it's crucial to differentiate "physical obstacles" from abstract challenges, ensuring accurate and contextually appropriate usage. Related phrases such as "tangible impediment" or "concrete barrier" offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings, allowing for stylistic variation. It is important to avoid to use "physical obstacle" when referring to non-tangible challenges like emotional or mental blocks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

physical barrier

A more direct synonym, simply replacing obstacle with barrier.

tangible impediment

Focuses on the physical and concrete nature of the obstruction.

material hindrance

Emphasizes the physical composition of the obstructing element.

concrete barrier

Highlights the solid and unyielding nature of the obstruction.

structural impediment

Indicates an obstacle related to a structure or framework.

localized obstruction

Highlights that the obstacle is in a specific physical place.

geographic constraint

Highlights the impact of the environment on the restriction.

environmental barrier

This option considers the obstacle in the context of broader environmental factors.

terrain difficulty

Specifies that the obstacle is related to the characteristics of the land.

kinetic restriction

Focuses on limitations to movement and motion caused by a tangible entity.

FAQs

How can I use "physical obstacle" in a sentence?

You can use "physical obstacle" to describe tangible barriers or hindrances. For example, "The construction site presented a significant "physical obstacle" for pedestrians" or "The mountain range served as a "physical obstacle" to easy travel".

What are some synonyms for "physical obstacle"?

Alternatives to "physical obstacle" include "tangible impediment", "material hindrance", or "concrete barrier". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "physical obstacle" and "physical barrier"?

While "physical obstacle" and "physical barrier" are often used interchangeably, "barrier" tends to imply a complete obstruction, while "obstacle" suggests something that can be overcome with effort or strategy. A fence is a "physical barrier" while a fallen tree is a "physical obstacle".

What is the difference between a "physical obstacle" and a "mental obstacle"?

A "physical obstacle" refers to a tangible impediment, something that physically blocks progress. A "mental obstacle", on the other hand, is an internal, psychological barrier, such as fear or lack of confidence. Therefore, the distinction lies in whether the obstruction is external and tangible or internal and psychological.