roadblock to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "roadblock to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an obstacle or hindrance that prevents progress towards a goal or objective. Example: "The lack of funding has become a significant roadblock to the project's completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It would be a massive roadblock to a global deal".

Independent

Tragedies are history to throw off, a roadblock to progress.

The New York Times

There remained one possible, though unlikely, roadblock to her release.

The New York Times

Austin once served as a roadblock to Ings' ambitions.

The Guardian - Sport

Reformers will continue to view teachers' unions as the greatest roadblock to higher student achievement.

The New York Times

The major roadblock to a deal remains how to divide the revenue.

The New York Times - Sports

As usual, the Senate will be the biggest roadblock to legislation.

The Economist

The great, thundering roadblock to progress was — wait for the surprise — the U.S. Senate.

The New York Times

But in following that model, Mayweather could well be his own roadblock to success as promoter.

The New York Times - Sports

"They consciously or unconsciously provided a roadblock to make it difficult to learn".

The New York Times

The investigation, which was first reported by Reuters, creates a potential roadblock to that expansion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "roadblock to", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being hindered. For example, "Lack of funding is a significant "roadblock to" the project's success."

Common error

Avoid vaguely stating there is a "roadblock to" something without specifying what that roadblock actually is. Be precise in naming the specific obstacle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "roadblock to" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as a prepositional complement. It identifies something that obstructs or impedes progress towards a specific goal. As Ludwig confirms, it is a valid construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "roadblock to" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that hinders progress. Ludwig's analysis confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples. It is most frequently used in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its versatility across different registers. While alternatives like ""obstacle to"" and ""barrier to"" exist, "roadblock to" effectively conveys the sense of an impediment to achieving a goal. Remember to clearly identify the specific "roadblock to" avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Obstacle to

Replaces "roadblock" with "obstacle", a more general term for something that impedes progress.

Barrier to

Replaces "roadblock" with "barrier", emphasizing a physical or metaphorical obstacle.

Impediment to

Substitutes "roadblock" with "impediment", suggesting a hindrance or obstruction.

Obstruction to

Employs "obstruction" instead of "roadblock", highlighting the act of blocking or impeding.

Hindrance to

Uses "hindrance" instead of "roadblock", focusing on the act of delaying or preventing progress.

Stumbling block to

Replaces "roadblock" with "stumbling block", highlighting the potential for error or failure.

Challenge to

Replaces "roadblock" with "challenge", framing the obstacle as something to be overcome.

Bottleneck to

Replaces "roadblock" with "bottleneck", highlighting a point of congestion that restricts flow.

Setback to

Substitutes "roadblock" with "setback", emphasizing the delay or reversal caused by the obstacle.

Drawback to

Substitutes "roadblock" with "drawback", emphasizing a disadvantage or negative aspect.

FAQs

What does "roadblock to" mean?

The phrase "roadblock to" signifies something that prevents progress or makes it difficult to achieve a desired outcome. It's essentially an obstacle or impediment.

What are some alternatives to "roadblock to"?

You can use alternatives such as "obstacle to", "barrier to", or "impediment to" depending on the context.

How do I use "roadblock to" in a sentence?

Use "roadblock to" to describe something that's preventing or hindering forward movement. For instance, "The high cost of materials is a "roadblock to" completing the project on time."

Is "roadblock to success" a common phrase?

Yes, "roadblock to success" is a commonly used phrase to describe something that hinders or prevents someone from achieving their goals. Other options include "obstacle to success" or "barrier to success".