present a barrier

USAGE SUMMARY

"present a barrier" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to create an obstacle or difficulty that prevents someone or something from moving forward. It can be used in various contexts, such as discussing physical obstructions, challenges faced in achieving a goal, or barriers to communication. Example: The language barrier between the two countries presented a challenge for the exchange students trying to communicate with their host families.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Language should not present a barrier.

Harvard University

Between them, gender, colour of skin, sexuality – none of these things present a barrier to success.

The Telegraph

Nor does Connecticut General Co. v. Johnson, supra, present a barrier against what Wisconsin has done.

Cornell University

Catholic bishops oppose the use of condoms because they present a barrier to the "full openness to life and unity between [married] couples," said archdiocese spokeswoman Susan Gibbs.

The Washington Post

Substance-related terminology is often a contentious topic because certain terms may convey meanings that have stigmatizing consequences and present a barrier to treatment.

Harvard University

They present a barrier to the spawning grounds of certain indigenous fish — alewife, for instance, which swim upstream to lay their eggs.

The New York Times

Of course Arsenal could have landed an easier champion than Bayern Munich, their last-16 conquerors in 2014, but Olympiakos and the Croatian champions should not present a barrier to a top-two finish.

The Guardian - Sport

The genetic architecture of genetic load and contribution of individual loci to inbreeding depression are largely unknown for woody perennials and present a barrier to rapid domestication via recurrent inbred mating.

Nature

The records showed that another reason for detaining him was because he might make a human rights claim based on his family life in the UK, which could present a barrier to removal.

The Guardian

As a result, research in MS science has followed widely diverse and disjoint paths, which present a barrier to cross pollination of ideas and application of methods outside their application domains.

Electronic Notes in Theoretical Computer Science

High-molarity sodium hydroxide activators are shown to accelerate early hydration at ambient temperature, but tend to present a barrier to advanced hydration thereby limiting the later-age strength.

Construction and Building Materials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "present a barrier", consider the specific type of obstruction you are describing. Be precise in identifying what is being hindered and why.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "present a barrier" in very informal conversation can sound overly formal. Consider simpler alternatives like "block" or "stop" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "present a barrier" functions as a verb phrase, where 'present' is the verb and 'a barrier' is the noun phrase functioning as the direct object. It indicates the act of creating or posing an obstacle. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "present a barrier" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies creating an obstacle or impediment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in scientific, news, and academic contexts. While appropriate for formal writing, consider using simpler alternatives like "block" or "hinder" in informal conversations. Related phrases like "pose an obstacle" or "create an impediment" can add variety to your writing. Using this phrase effectively involves clearly identifying the specific obstruction and its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pose an obstacle

Changes the verb from "present" to "pose", maintaining the meaning of creating an obstacle.

impede progress

Simplifies the phrase to a verb and noun, directly stating the act of hindering advancement.

constitute a hindrance

Replaces "present a barrier" with a more formal expression, indicating something that impedes progress.

create an impediment

Emphasizes the act of creating something that obstructs or delays progress.

obstruct advancement

Similar to 'impede progress' but uses a slightly more formal vocabulary.

hinder development

Focuses specifically on the obstruction of growth or development.

form an obstruction

Focuses on the physical aspect of blocking or impeding movement or progress.

inhibit access

Emphasizes the restriction of access or entry to something.

act as a deterrent

Shifts the meaning to discouraging or preventing an action through fear or doubt.

create a bottleneck

Implies a specific type of barrier that causes congestion or delay.

FAQs

How can I use "present a barrier" in a sentence?

You can use "present a barrier" to describe something that creates an obstacle or impediment. For example: "The language barrier "presented a barrier" to effective communication".

What's a simpler way to say "present a barrier"?

Alternatives include phrases like "pose an obstacle", "create an impediment", or simply "hinder" or "block" depending on the context.

Is "present a barrier" formal or informal?

"Present a barrier" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, or news contexts. Less formal settings may benefit from more direct alternatives.

What is the difference between "present a barrier" and "represent a barrier"?

"Present a barrier" means to actively create an obstacle, while "represent a barrier" suggests that something symbolizes or stands for an obstacle. The meanings are related but distinct.