pose an obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'pose an obstacle' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that stands in the way of achieving something, making it harder or more difficult to accomplish a goal. For example, "The language barrier posed an obstacle for the international students to make friends at the school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Election officials have another concern: Will damage from Sandy actually pose an obstacle to voting?

The Guardian

Even if a product is familiar, delivery through a new business model might pose an obstacle.

Harvard Business Review

The tense history between Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton could still pose an obstacle to a close partnership.

The New York Times

Semipermeable membranes of cells frequently pose an obstacle in metabolic engineering by limiting uptake of substrates, intermediates, or xenobiotics.

Metabolic Engineering

Nonetheless, as European member states makes regulatory changes geared at projects of common European interest, investment protection and ISDS in their current form pose an obstacle to progress.

Columbia University

Debra Bingham, president-elect of Lamaze International, an advocacy group for natural birth, said the "immediately available" wording might still pose an obstacle.

The New York Times - Health

She is the most able opposition leader in the country: Her release could pose an obstacle to Yanukovich winning the 2015 presidential election.

The New York Times

John P. Feehery, a spokesman for Speaker J. Dennis Hastert, said the Senate language might be "tweaked" a bit, but should not pose an obstacle.

The New York Times

However, operational, service and scheduling restrictions pose an obstacle to that, while "credit, or the risk of not getting paid for the gas, is an important consideration".

The New York Times

And whatever happens in Iraq, the war could pose an obstacle to Mr. McCain in New Hampshire, where independents are permitted to vote in either party's primary.

The New York Times

But the fiscal crisis in Nassau County, which operates Nassau Beach Park adjacent to the Town of Hempstead Park, could pose an obstacle.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, "pose an obstacle" can highlight the difficulty in achieving a particular outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "pose an obstacle" when simpler words like "problem" or "difficulty" are sufficient. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pose an obstacle" functions as a verb phrase, where "pose" acts as a verb meaning to present or create, and "an obstacle" serves as the direct object. It's used to indicate that something presents a hindrance or difficulty, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pose an obstacle" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to denote something that presents a hindrance or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It is versatile enough for various contexts, though particularly suited for formal and professional communication, as seen across numerous news, scientific, and academic sources. While alternatives like "present a barrier" or "create a hurdle" exist, "pose an obstacle" remains a clear and effective choice for highlighting challenges or potential roadblocks in a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

present a barrier

Replaces "obstacle" with "barrier", emphasizing the blocking aspect.

create a hurdle

Substitutes "obstacle" with "hurdle", suggesting a challenge to overcome.

form an impediment

Uses "impediment" instead of "obstacle", highlighting the hindering effect.

constitute a roadblock

Replaces "obstacle" with "roadblock", implying a complete halt to progress.

present a challenge

Uses "challenge" instead of "obstacle", focusing on the difficulty involved.

inhibit progress

Shifts from a noun phrase to a verb phrase, emphasizing the action of hindering.

impede advancement

Similar to "inhibit progress" but uses different vocabulary for a more formal tone.

hinder development

Focuses on the slowing down or preventing of development.

obstruct the path

Emphasizes the blocking of a route or course of action.

set back progress

Suggests a temporary delay or reversal in advancement.

FAQs

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

You can use "pose an obstacle" to describe something that hinders progress or creates a difficulty in achieving a goal. For instance, "The language barrier can "pose an obstacle" to effective communication".

What can I say instead of "pose an obstacle"?

Alternatives include "present a barrier", "create a hurdle", or "form an impediment", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "present an obstacle" instead of "pose an obstacle"?

Yes, "present an obstacle" is a valid and semantically similar alternative to ""pose an obstacle"". Both phrases convey the idea of something creating difficulty or hindrance.

What's the difference between "pose an obstacle" and "represent an obstacle"?

"Pose an obstacle" suggests that something actively creates a problem or hindrance, while "represent an obstacle" implies that something symbolizes or exemplifies a difficulty.