represent a major obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

These are associated with parasite immune evasion and represent a major obstacle for subunit vaccine design.

Journal of Immunological Methods

However, data requirements, particularly for the more complex urban models, represent a major obstacle to their employment.

Urban Climate

Substantial and highly variable placebo response rates represent a major obstacle to antidepressant development in major depressive disorder (MDD).

European Neuropsychopharmacology

Also the complexity of the model and the lack of observability represent a major obstacle for the online operation of a full dynamic rigorous model.

Computer Aided Chemical Engineering

However, the high rate of variability of this antigenic fragment may play a major role in the mechanism of escape from host immune response and might represent a major obstacle to developing an HCV vaccine.

Hepatology

The inherent properties of this complex cell wall also represent a major obstacle for its effective industrial utilization, as operationally effective mechanisms for the removal of lignin and the consequential release of carbohydrate constituents remain elusive.

Current Opinion in Biotechnology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

However, eventual resistance to these therapies is observed in the majority of cases, representing a major obstacle to long-term cures.

Cell Death and Disease

However, intrinsic and acquired TMZ-resistance represents a major obstacle for this therapy.

Harvard University

Thirst represents a major obstacle to the achievement of such a goal.

Journal of Renal Nutrition

"This bias likely represents a major obstacle for women aspiring to prestigious careers in today's society," Bian writes.

University of California, Berkeley

Epigenetic silencing of transgene expression represents a major obstacle for the efficient genetic modification of multipotent and pluripotent stem cells.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "represent a major obstacle", ensure that the context clearly identifies what is being hindered or prevented. Providing specific details enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "represent a major obstacle" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations where the obstacle genuinely poses a significant threat to progress or success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "represent a major obstacle" functions as a predicate nominative, where it renames or defines the subject. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct and is used to identify something as a significant impediment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

75%

Academia

12%

News & Media

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "represent a major obstacle" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe significant impediments. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in science, academia, and news media. While it's important to use it when the obstacle is genuinely impactful and to be mindful of the context's tone, this phrase effectively communicates the severity of a challenge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pose a significant challenge

Changes the noun from 'obstacle' to 'challenge' and uses 'pose' instead of 'represent', keeping the meaning very close.

present a considerable barrier

Substitutes 'obstacle' with 'barrier' and 'major' with 'considerable', maintaining a high degree of semantic similarity.

constitute a substantial impediment

Replaces the original phrase with more formal vocabulary, like 'constitute' and 'impediment', indicating a significant hindrance.

form a critical bottleneck

Uses a more metaphorical term, 'bottleneck', to describe something that restricts flow or progress significantly.

act as a serious constraint

Employs 'constraint' to indicate a limitation or restriction that significantly affects progress.

prove to be a tough hurdle

Uses a more informal term, 'hurdle', to describe a problem that needs to be overcome, while emphasizing its difficulty.

stand as a key impediment

Similar to the original but uses 'stand as' instead of 'represent' and 'key' instead of 'major'.

create a difficult stumbling block

Uses 'stumbling block' to describe something that causes one to hesitate or make a mistake.

be a primary hindrance

Simplified version, focusing on the 'hindrance' aspect and its primary nature.

inhibit forward progress

Expresses the idea of something preventing advancement, differing slightly in structure.

FAQs

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

You can use phrases like "constitute a substantial impediment" or "present a considerable barrier" to achieve a more formal tone.

What are some less formal alternatives to "represent a major obstacle"?

For less formal contexts, consider using phrases like "be a tough hurdle" or "create a difficult stumbling block".

Is it always appropriate to use "represent a major obstacle" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, ensure that the phrase aligns with the specific tone and style guidelines of your academic field. More precise or technical language might be preferable in certain disciplines.

What's the difference between "pose a significant challenge" and "represent a major obstacle"?

While similar, "pose a significant challenge" emphasizes the difficulty of overcoming something, whereas "represent a major obstacle" highlights the hindering effect on progress. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.