raise barriers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "raise barriers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to describe the act of creating obstacles or challenges, often in discussions about policies, regulations, or social issues. Example: "The new regulations may raise barriers for small businesses trying to enter the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Their grip was threatened by the Federal Communications Commission, which might raise barriers to license renewal.

The New Yorker

They impose higher prices on customers, reduce incentives to innovate and raise barriers to entry.

The Economist

They should censure actions that restrict trade or raise barriers to investment whether or not they breach WTO commitments.

The New York Times

It's that a non-neutral net will raise barriers to entry just slightly -- but enough to be alarming.

The Washington Post

Even when men on Wall Street try to create a more equitable environment, those very efforts may raise barriers for women.

Cornell University

The current market concentration of "big telco" creates its own barriers to entry, and many of those companies have been more than willing to use their market power to raise barriers.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

This inhibits innovation and raises barriers to entry.

The Economist

But raising barriers to posting bad comments is still a smart first step.

The New York Times

The current fashion for raising barriers to the inflows of talented researchers and entrepreneurs hardly helps.

The Economist

Certainly, raising barriers to entry may weed out the most dilettantish healers.

The Economist

Raising barriers and playing on people's most primitive fears cannot – and must not – be the way forward.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "raise barriers" when describing actions or policies that create obstacles, especially in discussions about trade, regulations, or social equity. For example, "New tariffs could raise barriers to international trade."

Common error

While "raise barriers" is grammatically correct, it may sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "create problems" or "make it difficult" for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raise barriers" functions as a verb phrase where "raise" acts as a transitive verb and "barriers" is its direct object. It signifies the action of creating or establishing obstacles. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "raise barriers" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the creation of obstacles or challenges. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for use in various formal contexts, particularly in news, academic writing, and professional reports. While alternatives like "create obstacles" and "erect hurdles" exist, "raise barriers" carries a specific connotation of actively establishing impediments. Be mindful of the register and opt for simpler phrasing in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create obstacles

Replaces "raise" with a more general verb, slightly altering the tone.

erect hurdles

Uses a different verb and noun, offering a slightly more metaphorical image.

impose restrictions

Focuses on the act of limiting actions or access.

set up roadblocks

Emphasizes the creation of hindrances that stop progress.

put up walls

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate creating divisions or impediments.

institute impediments

Formal alternative, using more sophisticated vocabulary.

establish constraints

Highlights the setting of limits and restrictions.

generate difficulties

Focuses on the creation of challenging situations.

foster obstacles

Describes the act of promoting or encouraging obstacles.

introduce complications

Implies the addition of elements that make something more complex or difficult.

FAQs

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

The phrase "raise barriers" is used to describe actions or policies that create obstacles or difficulties. For example: "The new regulations will "raise barriers" for small businesses."

What are some alternatives to "raise barriers"?

You can use alternatives such as "create obstacles", "erect hurdles", or "impose restrictions" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "raise barriers" or "increase barriers"?

Both "raise barriers" and "increase barriers" are grammatically correct, but "raise barriers" is often used when referring to the initial creation of obstacles, while "increase barriers" suggests making existing obstacles greater.

What is the difference between "raise barriers" and "pose barriers"?

"Raise barriers" refers to the act of actively creating obstacles, while "pose barriers" suggests that something presents a challenge or difficulty without necessarily being intentionally created. For example, "Lack of funding poses barriers to research."