present obstacles to

USAGE SUMMARY

"present obstacles to" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to create difficulties or challenges for someone or something. Example: The lack of funding present obstacles to the success of our project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

While most game environments present obstacles to the player, Tony Hawk Pro Skate presents opportunities.

The Guardian - Tech

The hospitals' serious money problems present obstacles to dissolving the financial ties that still bind them, and officials say a final division probably remains years away.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, the personal problems that his characters face are explicitly shadowed by social issues that give rise to them or that present obstacles to their resolution.

The New Yorker

Appreciating studio-made popular music from other countries can be like hearing a language you're not very familiar with; each particular culture's aesthetics of instrumentation, electronics, mixing and pop appeal present obstacles to understanding foreign music on its own terms.

The New York Times

After all, they start the movie in a loving and stable relationship, and the practical problems they face are important not because they impede the planning of a wedding party but because they present obstacles to the couple's life together.

The New Yorker

The age of the building, its monolithic presence south of Market Street, and lingering sentimentality about The Chronicle could present obstacles to Forest City's plans, according to some city officials.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

The cabinet has sent legislation to the Parliament softening the de-Baathification law that had presented obstacles to former Baathists' working in government jobs.

The New York Times

These presented obstacles to river traffic and were a factor in the location of the frontier at Aswān in pharaonic Egypt.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While welcoming Serbian cooperation in the talks, she finds that Serbia still presents obstacles to the stability and European integration of the region.

The New York Times

Elon Musk may have taken to aggressively dismissing coverage of the crash on his Twitter account, but there are still significant every day flaws that presents obstacles to wider adoption of self-driving car technology.

The Guardian - Tech

Priestley's preference for "facts" over "hypotheses" in science was consistent with his Dissenting conviction that prejudice and dogma of any sort presented obstacles to individual inquiry and private judgment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "present obstacles to", ensure the subject clearly identifies what is causing the difficulty. For example, instead of "Obstacles were presented", specify "The lack of funding presented obstacles to the project's success."

Common error

Avoid using passive voice when possible. Instead of saying "Obstacles are presented by the new regulations", be direct: "The new regulations present obstacles to small businesses."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "present obstacles to" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of creating difficulties or challenges for someone or something. This indicates that something is actively hindering progress or making a task more difficult, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "present obstacles to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that signifies the creation of difficulties or challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various domains. The analysis reveals that it is particularly common in scientific and news-related contexts, with a neutral to formal register. While alternative phrases like "pose a barrier to" or "hinder the progress of" exist, "present obstacles to" remains a clear and effective way to express the idea of impediments hindering progress. When utilizing this phrase, clarity in subject identification and active voice construction is recommended for optimal impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pose a barrier to

This alternative uses "pose a barrier" instead of "present obstacles", emphasizing the act of creating a hindrance.

create impediments for

This phrase swaps "obstacles" with "impediments" and uses "create" instead of "present", focusing on the action of generating difficulties.

hinder the progress of

This alternative highlights the effect of the obstacles, which is to "hinder the progress", shifting the focus from the cause to the consequence.

impede the advancement of

Using "impede" and "advancement" adds a slightly more formal tone, while maintaining the core meaning of hindering progress.

obstruct the path to

This phrase uses a more metaphorical approach, suggesting that something is blocking the way forward.

complicate matters for

This alternative focuses on making things more complex, rather than directly blocking progress.

set challenges for

This phrase replaces "obstacles" with "challenges", implying a test of skill or ability rather than a direct blockage.

generate difficulties for

Similar to "create impediments", this emphasizes the act of producing problems, but uses the more common term "difficulties".

raise hurdles for

This alternative is similar to "present obstacles" but utilizes the verb "raise" and the noun "hurdles".

inhibit the success of

This alternative focuses on restraining or preventing success rather than just creating difficulties.

FAQs

What does "present obstacles to" mean?

The phrase "present obstacles to" means to create challenges, difficulties, or hindrances that impede progress or success. It suggests that something is making it harder to achieve a desired outcome.

What are some alternatives to "present obstacles to"?

Some alternatives include "pose a barrier to", "create impediments for", and "hinder the progress of". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "present obstacles to" or "pose obstacles to"?

Both "present obstacles to" and "pose obstacles to" are grammatically correct and have very similar meanings. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

How can I use "present obstacles to" in a sentence?

You can use "present obstacles to" by identifying a subject that creates difficulties for something else. For example: "The new regulations present obstacles to small business growth", or "Lack of funding will present obstacles to completing the project on time".