present a hurdle

USAGE SUMMARY

"present a hurdle" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to create an obstacle or challenge that must be overcome. Example: The language barrier presented a hurdle for the international students to fully understand the lecture. In this example, "present a hurdle" shows that the language barrier is creating a challenge for the international students. It emphasizes that the barrier is a difficulty that needs to be overcome.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

That, too, could present a hurdle.

The New York Times - Sports

Ms. Khan, who was identified by people close to the case, has a legal past that may present a hurdle for federal prosecutors.

The New York Times

Despite the boon to the schools in Japan, the history of questioning the value of M.B.A.'s continues to present a hurdle, consultants and others say.

The New York Times

JPMorgan said that a single negative mark in ChexSystems, the largest database, would typically not present a hurdle for someone looking to obtain an account.

The New York Times

You have to think very carefully about any part of the environment that might present a hurdle".

Science Magazine

Even basic programming skills required to assemble sequences present a hurdle for many systematists (Godden et al., 2012; Soltis et al., 2013; L. A. Ripma, personal observation).

Applications in Plant Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

By day five, though, my hair was oily, I had dandruff, and a job interview presented a hurdle.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Each of these elements involving a top Bucks player – Bogut's injury, Jackson's dissatisfaction, and Jennings's curious detachment – presents a hurdle, but a manageable one.

The New York Times

Being a foreigner from an inferior soccer country had already presented a hurdle for me in Brazil, and my age did not make things easier.

The New York Times - Sports

Barnett's circumstances, it turns out, have also presented a hurdle to recruiters who have reached out to him from Arkansas, Kentucky and Florida.

The New York Times

It's generally assumed that a big part of Romney's problem four years ago had to do with his Mormonism, which presented a hurdle for South Carolina's sizable bloc of evangelical Christians.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "present a hurdle", consider the specific type of obstacle being described. Be precise in identifying what exactly creates the difficulty and its potential impact on the situation.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "present a hurdle" when describing similar challenges within the same text. Vary your language by using synonyms like "pose a challenge" or "create an obstacle" to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "present a hurdle" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of creating or constituting an obstacle or difficulty. This phrase is often used to highlight challenges that need to be overcome, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "present a hurdle" is a phrase used to describe the creation of an obstacle or challenge. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in News & Media and scientific contexts. While "present a hurdle" is a useful phrase, varying your language using synonyms such as "pose a challenge" or "create an obstacle" can enhance your writing style and prevent repetition. Remember to use the phrase precisely to describe the specific type of obstacle and its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pose a challenge

Replaces "hurdle" with "challenge", softening the imagery while retaining the sense of difficulty.

set a challenge

Focuses on actively creating a difficult task.

create an obstacle

Emphasizes the creation of a physical or metaphorical barrier.

lay an obstacle

Similar to "create an obstacle" but with a slightly more deliberate connotation.

represent a difficulty

Focuses on the inherent problem rather than the imposed obstacle.

constitute an impediment

More formal, suggesting a significant hindrance.

form a barrier

Implies a more rigid and potentially insurmountable obstacle.

introduce a complication

Emphasizes the added complexity resulting from the obstacle.

become a stumbling block

Highlights the potential to cause failure or delay.

offer resistance

Suggests active opposition or difficulty in proceeding.

FAQs

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

You can use "present a hurdle" to describe something that creates an obstacle or difficulty. For example, "The complex regulations "present a hurdle" for small businesses trying to enter the market."

What can I say instead of "present a hurdle"?

You can use alternatives like "pose a challenge", "create an obstacle", or "represent a difficulty depending on the context.

Which is correct, "present a hurdle" or "pose a hurdle"?

Both ""present a hurdle"" and "pose a hurdle" are correct and convey similar meanings. The choice often depends on stylistic preference and the specific nuance you want to emphasize.

What's the difference between "present a hurdle" and "present a challenge"?

While similar, ""present a hurdle"" often implies a more specific and potentially surmountable obstacle, whereas "present a challenge" is a broader term that can refer to any difficult task or situation.