raise a barrier

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'raise a barrier' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of creating something that serves as an obstruction or hindrance. For example, you could say, "The government's new restrictions raised a barrier to foreign trade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"We must raise a barrier for criminal groups on our border," the Russian foreign minister, Igor Ivanov, told the Interfax news agency.

The New York Times

"One of the reasons that we got our financing and went to Project Sunburst when we did was to raise a barrier of entry to prospective competition," he added.

The New York Times

It's a pattern sure to raise a barrier for new people who want to live in the city, a barrier of high housing prices that might as well be a wall (check out Saturday Night Live's take on this effect they call "The Bubble").

Forbes

Allowing such sessions could traumatize the children and "raise a barrier" for the prosecution, Loken wrote.

Huffington Post

Austria announced it would raise a barrier along some of its border with Slovenia.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It helps the platform owner and raises a barrier to competitors.

The New York Times

Divers in black wet suits and yellow flippers started by raising a barrier inside one of the pens, separating a dozen or so tuna from the rest.

The New York Times - Food

The imposition of fees by the British government has raised a barrier in Ireland that Dr Hunter believes is culturally damaging.

The Guardian

Along with three other young men, Jonathan guards a checkpoint, lowering and raising a barrier for the occasional passing car or slow-loping camel.

The New York Times

The formalities may multiply (the carte de séjour would surely be back; driving licences would change), but anything that raises a barrier to British visitors and residents in the Dordogne – from dearer flights to a language requirement for residence to an end to the pet passport scheme – will not be welcome in Eymet.

The Guardian

The U.S. market is not on the radar as yet, as he says the patent landscape there "raises a barrier" of entry to newcomers.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "raise a barrier", consider the specific type of obstacle you are describing. Is it physical, economic, social, or legal? Choosing more precise language can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "raise a barrier" in very casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "create problems" or "make things difficult" may be more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raise a barrier" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the act of creating or establishing something that impedes progress, access, or interaction. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "raise a barrier" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to describe the act of creating an obstacle or impediment. According to Ludwig AI, it's most frequently found in news and media, science, and formal/business contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the specific type of barrier being described and to avoid overuse in very informal settings. Alternatives such as "erect an obstacle" or "create an impediment" can provide greater precision or stylistic variation. This expression is useful in various fields, from geopolitics to personal relationships, to refer to something that obstructs advancement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

erect an obstacle

Emphasizes the physical construction or establishment of something that hinders progress.

create an impediment

Highlights the act of bringing an obstruction into existence.

form an obstruction

Highlights the process of creating something that blocks or impedes.

establish a restriction

Focuses on the setting up of a rule or condition that limits action.

impose a limitation

Stresses the authoritative introduction of a boundary or constraint.

introduce a hurdle

Emphasizes the act of setting up a challenge that needs to be overcome.

set up a blockade

Implies a physical obstruction designed to prevent passage or access.

institute a ban

Focuses on the formal prohibition of something.

put up a fence

Refers to the act of physically constructing a barrier, often for demarcation or prevention.

construct a wall

Implies the building of a substantial and often permanent barrier.

FAQs

How can I use "raise a barrier" in a sentence?

You can use "raise a barrier" to describe creating an obstacle. For example: "The new regulations "raise a barrier" to entry for small businesses."

What can I say instead of "raise a barrier"?

Alternatives to "raise a barrier" include "erect an obstacle", "create an impediment", or "establish a restriction", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "raise a barrier" or "remove a barrier"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have opposite meanings. "Raise a barrier" means to create an obstacle, while "remove a barrier" means to eliminate one.

What's the difference between "raise a barrier" and "pose a barrier"?

"Raise a barrier" implies actively creating an obstacle, while "pose a barrier" suggests that something already present acts as an obstacle. You "raise a barrier" intentionally, but something can "pose a barrier" without active intervention.