roadblocks

USAGE SUMMARY

'roadblocks' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is generally used to refer to a situation or object that blocks progress or movement, such as a literal barrier or figurative obstacle. For example, you could say "The bureaucracy and paperwork proved to be roadblocks to completing the project on time".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The temporary roadblocks included part of State Circle, one of the roads that surrounds Canberra's parliament house.

The Guardian

The prime minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, defended the police action, saying the traffic jams caused by police roadblocks were caused by "these people who are organising the demonstration".

The Guardian

Malaysian police locked down parliament with roadblocks and massive security today to prevent the opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim, and his supporters from attending a key debate.

The Guardian

Opponents of the Affordable Care Act from Florida to Tennessee deploy regulatory roadblocks, such as refusing healthcare "navigators" access to county health departments, inspired by the "massive resistance" southern governors and legislatures used to repulse desegregation.

The Guardian - Opinion

It wasn't just the militarised police occupation of the coalfields; the 11,000 arrests, deaths, police assaults, mass jailings and sackings; the roadblocks, fitups and false prosecutions – most infamously at the Orgreave coking plant where an orgy of police violence in June 1984 was followed by a failed attempt to prosecute 95 miners for riot on the basis of false evidence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Last month, a near-riot in the centre of the capital, Tbilisi, complete with roadblocks made from burning tyres, aroused nasty memories of the civil war earlier in the decade, from which the country has not yet recovered.

The Economist

Cars, buses and trucks had been commandeered to create 50-odd roadblocks in Jalisco and three neighbouring states; many were set alight.

The Economist

Some roadblocks have been removed, some encirclements of Palestinian cities lifted, and some tanks pulled back.

The Economist

Instead most would-be bombers are caught or deterred by over 550 checkpoints and roadblocks within the West Bank itself, much of which is off-limits to Palestinians (see map).

The Economist

In the Niger delta, the army has been used to quell ethnic unrest, which it has done with considerable force.In the oil town of Warri, where fighting between the Ijaws and the Itsekiris has claimed scores of lives in recent months, soldiers man roadblocks amid the ruins of burned-out houses.

The Economist

In a ZANU-PF stronghold, we navigate the many roadblocks with no problem.We also check out shops and talk to one of the few white commercial farmers who has managed to hang on to part of his land.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "roadblocks" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates the type of obstruction being described. For instance, specify whether they are regulatory, financial, or political.

Common error

Avoid using "roadblocks" excessively in metaphorical contexts. Overuse can weaken your writing. Consider using more specific terms like "regulatory hurdles" or "financial constraints" for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "roadblocks" is as a plural noun, typically referring to physical barriers blocking a road or, metaphorically, to obstacles hindering progress. Ludwig's examples show its usage in various contexts, both literal and figurative. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is commonly and correctly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "roadblocks" functions primarily as a plural noun, referring to both physical and metaphorical obstructions. As Ludwig shows, its usage is very common across diverse contexts, especially in news and media, indicating its broad applicability. The term is grammatically correct, with Ludwig AI confirming its accurate usage in written English. When using "roadblocks", it's important to consider the specific context and potential alternatives like ""barriers"" or ""obstacles"" for greater precision. Avoid overuse to maintain the impact and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

barriers

Focuses more on the physical or metaphorical obstacles that prevent movement or progress.

obstacles

Emphasizes the challenges and difficulties that impede advancement.

impediments

Highlights the hindrances and obstructions that slow down or prevent progress.

hindrances

Similar to impediments but may imply a lesser degree of obstruction.

obstructions

Stresses the act of blocking or hindering progress.

challenges

Refers to difficult situations or problems that need to be overcome.

setbacks

Highlights temporary delays or reversals in progress.

complications

Focuses on factors that make a situation more complex or difficult.

hurdles

Implies obstacles that need to be jumped over or overcome.

bottlenecks

Refers to points of congestion that restrict the flow of progress.

FAQs

How can I use "roadblocks" in a sentence?

You can use "roadblocks" to describe both physical and metaphorical obstacles. For example, "The construction created "traffic roadblocks"" or "Bureaucratic issues created "legal roadblocks" for the project".

What are some synonyms for "roadblocks"?

Synonyms for "roadblocks" include "barriers", "obstacles", "impediments", and "obstructions". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "roadblock" or "roadblocks"?

Use "roadblock" for a single obstacle and "roadblocks" for multiple obstacles. For instance, "A single "major roadblock" delayed the project" versus "Several "regulatory roadblocks" hindered progress".

What's the difference between "roadblocks" and "challenges"?

"Roadblocks" imply direct obstructions preventing progress, while "challenges" are broader difficulties requiring effort to overcome. "Roadblocks" specifically halt movement while "challenges" present difficulties that must be addressed.