presented a major obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "presented a major obstacle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant challenge or difficulty encountered in a situation or process. Example: "The lack of funding presented a major obstacle to the project's completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The current poor understanding of the structure and properties of the DEJ has presented a major obstacle to designing better therapeutic protocols for complications concerning the DEJ.

Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials

For Sheelagh Roth, standing at the ticket window here early this month with a suitcase and an injured leg, they presented a major obstacle -- one compounded by the "Out of Service" signs she has found on the doors of the station's elevators since Dec. 26.

The New York Times

The du Pont executive ex pressed his concern to several hundred chemical officials only 48 hours after Thomas J. Wat son Jr., chairman of the board of the International Business Machines Corporation, told a Congressional committee that the Vietnam war presented "a major obstacle" to the economic health of the nation and was threatening "irreparable" dam age to the society.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Made from non-silicon materials -- ceramics, in some cases -- these components present a major obstacle to further shrinking of cellphones.

The New York Times - Tech

The blood CNS barrier also presents a major obstacle for potential CNS medicines.

Neurobiology of Disease

For these lower-income families — particularly families with multiple children — the program's application fees may present a major obstacle.

The Washington Post

Damage to normal lung tissue presents a major obstacle in the treatment of individuals.

Seminars in Radiation Oncology

Stoke, on this evidence, will present a major obstacle to Roberto Mancini's hopes of winning his first piece of silverware at Eastlands.

The Guardian - Sport

It also presents a major obstacle to any new agreement – as demonstrated by the 2008 G8 meeting in Japan that degenerated into a squabble over national emission rights.

The Guardian - Opinion

This carbon deposit significantly reduces fullerene productivity, wastes valuable energy and graphite material, and presents a major obstacle in achieving desirable productivity and scalability.

Carbon

The oxidative stress damage caused by ROS in grafted cells and host cells presents a major obstacle for successful myocardial repairs in cardiac tissue engineering.

Biomaterials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "presented a major obstacle" to clearly and directly communicate a significant challenge, ensuring your audience understands the severity of the impediment.

Common error

Avoid using "presented a major obstacle" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for truly significant impediments that seriously hinder progress or success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "presented a major obstacle" functions as a verb phrase that introduces a noun phrase, indicating the existence of a significant impediment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in conveying a challenge.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "presented a major obstacle" effectively communicates a significant challenge. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically correct and usable in English. While not overly frequent, it finds common use across scientific and news-related contexts. Consider alternatives like "posed a significant challenge" for variety. Avoid overusing it for minor issues to maintain its impact. The phrase serves to clearly identify and emphasize substantial difficulties in various situations, making it a valuable tool in analytical and descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

posed a significant challenge

Replaces "presented a major obstacle" with a more direct verb choice, focusing on the action of creating a challenge.

presented a serious impediment

Emphasizes the severity of the obstacle by using the word "serious".

created a substantial barrier

Emphasizes the hindering aspect by using the word "barrier" instead of "obstacle".

constituted a considerable impediment

Uses more formal vocabulary to express the idea of a significant hindrance.

was a significant hindrance

Simplifies the structure while maintaining the core meaning of something causing difficulty.

proved to be a major stumbling block

Employs a more figurative expression highlighting the difficulty caused.

represented a formidable hurdle

Highlights the difficulty in overcoming the obstacle, using "formidable" to emphasize its size.

stood as a large barrier

Uses a more spatial metaphor, suggesting the obstacle is physically blocking progress.

offered a tough challenge

Focuses on the demanding nature of the situation rather than the obstructive aspect.

introduced a key difficulty

Highlights the element of introduction, suggesting the difficulty was newly created.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "presented a major obstacle" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "constituted a considerable impediment" or "represented a formidable hurdle" instead of "presented a major obstacle".

What is a less formal alternative to "presented a major obstacle"?

Less formal options include "posed a big problem" or "was a tough challenge" which maintain the core meaning without being overly formal.

Is it better to say "presented an obstacle" or "presented a major obstacle"?

Using "presented a major obstacle" emphasizes the significance of the impediment more strongly than simply saying "presented an obstacle". Choose the phrasing that best reflects the actual severity of the challenge.

What verbs can I use instead of "presented" in the phrase "presented a major obstacle"?

Alternatives to "presented" include "posed", "created", or "constituted". For example, "posed a significant challenge" offers a similar meaning.