present an obstacle to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "present an obstacle to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that hinders or impedes progress or action in a particular context. Example: "The new regulations may present an obstacle to small businesses trying to expand their operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Media companies present an obstacle to awareness: "Most media outlets don't like to cover themselves".

The New York Times

However, the vast majority of these instabilities are extremely weak and do not present an obstacle to the use of these integrators.

Journal of Computational Physics

"They are illegal under international law, present an obstacle to peace and take us further away from a two-state solution at a time when negotiations to achieve this objective urgently need to be resumed".

The Guardian

What it does do is present an obstacle to those who wish to erase Jewish history in the region, and that is the central Palestinian animus in this particular furore.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, diagnostic CT scanner gantry bores (typically 65 70 cm) can present an obstacle to the CT simulation process by limiting patient positions, compared to those that can be attained in a conventional simulator.

International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics

But the heterogeneity in many of these clinical trials and the low quality of design in some previous studies present an obstacle to the meaningful systematic reviews (SR) and meta-analysis.

Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

This presents an obstacle to supplement preparation and necessitates careful handling of the substance.

Stanford University

In each case, the agreements presented an obstacle to prosecution in the United States.

The New York Times

And, more often than not, their familial relationship to each other, or consanguinity, often presented an obstacle to their marriage.

The New Yorker

Public disgrace – the fact of it, whether justified or not – no longer presents an obstacle to powerful careers.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is mathematics above all that presents an obstacle to communication between professional scientists and the general educated public.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "present an obstacle to", ensure that the subject clearly identifies what is being hindered or impeded. For example, "Lack of funding presents an obstacle to the project's completion."

Common error

Avoid overstating the severity of the obstacle. Using phrases like "insurmountable obstacle" when a challenge is merely difficult can weaken your argument. Be precise in assessing the true impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "present an obstacle to" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of creating or constituting a hindrance or impediment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Examples show it being used to describe various entities, from regulations to lack of funding, acting as impediments.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "present an obstacle to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes the act of creating a hindrance or impediment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly news, science, and general writing. While semantically similar alternatives like "pose a challenge to" or "create a barrier for" exist, "present an obstacle" is a clear and effective way to highlight challenges and potential roadblocks. Remember to accurately assess the scope of the obstacle and avoid overstating its severity to maintain credibility. Understanding the context and register ensures its proper application across different forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pose a challenge to

Replaces "obstacle" with "challenge", implying a difficulty that needs to be overcome.

create a barrier for

Substitutes "obstacle" with "barrier", suggesting a more solid impediment.

pose a hurdle for

Replaces "obstacle" with "hurdle", suggesting something that must be jumped over.

impede the progress of

Uses a more formal tone, explicitly mentioning the hindering of progress.

hinder the development of

Similar to impeding progress, but focuses on preventing development.

obstruct the path to

Employs a metaphor of a physical path being blocked.

hamper the advancement of

Suggests a slowing down or restriction of advancement.

inhibit the success of

Focuses on preventing success rather than general progress.

restrict the potential for

Highlights the limitation of potential outcomes.

act as a constraint on

Uses "constraint" to emphasize a limiting factor.

FAQs

How can I use "present an obstacle to" in a sentence?

Use "present an obstacle to" to describe something that hinders or impedes progress. For example, "The new regulations "present an obstacle to" small businesses."

What are some alternatives to "present an obstacle to"?

You can use alternatives such as "pose a challenge to", "create a barrier for", or "impede the progress of" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "present an obstacle to" or "pose an obstacle to"?

Both "present an obstacle to" and "pose an obstacle to" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on stylistic preference, but "pose an obstacle to" might be slightly more common in certain contexts.

What's the difference between "present an obstacle to" and "overcome an obstacle"?

"Present an obstacle to" means to create or constitute a hindrance, while "overcome an obstacle" means to successfully deal with and move past a hindrance. They are opposite in meaning; one describes creating a problem, and the other describes solving it.