principal obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principal obstacle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the main or most significant barrier or challenge in a particular context or situation. Example: "The principal obstacle to achieving our goals is the lack of funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The principal obstacle is its mass nature.

The Guardian

John says the principal obstacle to treatment appears to be simply his lack of insurance.

The New York Times

A lack of scientific data remains the principal obstacle to regulating cigarette toxicity.

The Lancet

(The kulaks were a category of so-called richer peasants who were regarded as the principal obstacle to collectivization).

The New York Times - Books

The "deputy gaveller", the Forestry Commission official responsible, replied: "The principal obstacle to your application is that of gender.

The Guardian

As for Purchase and Hunter, the principal obstacle in their heat had appeared to be New Zealand.

Independent

Charismatic presidents in the Andean states, and in Argentina, have identified the media as a principal obstacle to their efforts to transform the region.

The Guardian

We are prepared to begin withdrawing our other forces on Taiwan as our relations improve, so that the military questions need not be a principal obstacle between us.

The New York Times

The growth of inequality is both a warning of the growing dysfunctionality of our capitalism and the principal obstacle to addressing it.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The lack of finances and shortage of trained personnel remain the principal obstacles to the improvement of health conditions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By clearly identifying the principal obstacles to purchase, this provider was able to devise an effective prescription sales strategy, as we'll discuss in the next section.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "principal obstacle", ensure it clearly identifies the most significant barrier, not just any difficulty. Be specific about why it's the main issue.

Common error

Avoid labeling a minor challenge as the "principal obstacle". Accurately assess the situation to pinpoint the most significant impediment, not just a contributing factor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principal obstacle" functions as a noun phrase that identifies and emphasizes the most significant barrier or impediment in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "principal obstacle" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the most significant barrier or challenge in a given context. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is widely accepted and employed across diverse domains, from news and media to scientific research and encyclopedic entries. Its function is to emphasize the primary hindrance preventing progress. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the most critical impediment and avoid using it for minor or secondary difficulties. Consider alternatives like "main impediment" or "key barrier" for stylistic variation. The phrase maintains a neutral to formal tone, suitable for a variety of communication settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main impediment

Replaces "obstacle" with "impediment", focusing on the hindering aspect.

key barrier

Substitutes "principal" with "key" and "obstacle" with "barrier", emphasizing the blocking nature.

major roadblock

Uses "roadblock" as a more visual and forceful synonym for "obstacle".

chief hindrance

Replaces "principal" with "chief" and "obstacle" with "hindrance", highlighting the delaying effect.

primary challenge

Shifts the focus slightly from obstruction to the difficulty posed.

central difficulty

Emphasizes the core problem rather than the barrier itself.

biggest stumbling block

Uses a more colloquial term, "stumbling block", for an obstacle.

foremost impediment

Replaces "principal" with "foremost", indicating the most important impediment.

main source of difficulty

Focuses on the origin of the problem rather than the problem itself.

greatest hurdle

Employs "hurdle", suggesting something to be overcome with effort.

FAQs

How can I use "principal obstacle" in a sentence?

You can use "principal obstacle" to identify the main barrier to achieving a goal. For example, "The principal obstacle to the project's success is the lack of funding."

What can I say instead of "principal obstacle"?

You can use alternatives like "main impediment", "key barrier", or "major roadblock" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "main principal obstacle"?

Yes, saying "main principal obstacle" is redundant. "Principal" already means main or most important, so "main" is unnecessary.

What's the difference between "principal obstacle" and "secondary obstacle"?

"Principal obstacle" refers to the most significant barrier, while "secondary obstacle" refers to a less important or contributing challenge. Addressing the "principal obstacle" is crucial for progress.