presents an obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "presents an obstacle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing challenges or difficulties that hinder progress or achievement in a particular context. Example: "The lack of funding presents an obstacle to the project's completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Other states offer business one-stop shops, but California presents an obstacle course.

The Economist

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

Procedurally, the House presents an obstacle in the form of its Judiciary Committee, chaired by Bob Goodlatte, of Virginia.

The New Yorker

Topping it with slices of roasted red peppers or courgette presents an obstacle if dipping, while commercial versions topped with caramelised onions are, usually, way too sweet.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It also threatens to tarnish the successful completion of the ICTY's mandate and presents an obstacle to fulfilling the international community's commitment to international justice.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

But these sites could present an obstacle in arranging loans of artworks for temporary shows.

The New York Times

That desire presented an obstacle more daunting than the competition for his first Olympic team.

The New York Times - Sports

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

For the impatient or time starved person, or for those who hate crowds, such conditions present an obstacle.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "presents an obstacle", ensure the context clearly defines what is being hindered. Be specific about the affected process or goal for clarity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "presents an obstacle" in casual conversation can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "gets in the way" or "is a problem" for everyday scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "presents an obstacle" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that something is actively creating or constituting a hindrance. Ludwig AI confirms this usage as correct and widely applicable. Examples show it describes impediments across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "presents an obstacle" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote something that hinders progress. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showing widespread usage across diverse contexts, including Science, News & Media, and Formal & Business settings. While versatile, its formality should be considered in informal contexts. Related phrases like "poses a challenge" and "creates a barrier" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. Remember to specify what is being hindered for maximum clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poses a challenge

Focuses on the difficulty introduced rather than the obstruction itself.

creates a barrier

Emphasizes the obstructive nature of the issue.

impedes progress

Highlights the slowing down of advancement.

hinders advancement

Similar to impeding progress but with a focus on hindering.

obstructs the path

More figurative, suggesting a blockage of the way forward.

constitutes an impediment

A more formal way of saying something is a hindrance.

forms a stumbling block

Suggests something that causes one to hesitate or fail.

is a hurdle

Implies a challenge that must be overcome.

sets back development

Focuses on causing a delay or regression in growth.

complicates matters

Indicates an increase in complexity, making things harder.

FAQs

How can I use "presents an obstacle" in a sentence?

Use "presents an obstacle" to describe something that hinders progress or makes something difficult. For example: "The lack of funding "presents an obstacle" to completing the project".

What are some alternatives to "presents an obstacle"?

You can use alternatives such as "poses a challenge", "creates a barrier", or "impedes progress" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "presents an obstacle" or "is an obstacle"?

"Presents an obstacle" implies that something actively creates a hindrance, while "is an obstacle" simply states that something exists as a hindrance. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the action of creating the obstacle.

What's the difference between "presents an obstacle" and "poses a challenge"?

"Presents an obstacle" suggests a more concrete impediment, while "poses a challenge" often refers to a difficult task or situation that requires effort to overcome. An obstacle physically blocks progress; a challenge tests one's abilities.