roadblocks to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "roadblocks to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to obstacles or hindrances to one's progress or success. For example, "The pandemic created many roadblocks to our progress on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Penguins, too, suffer such roadblocks to amity.

The New York Times - Books

Everywhere, it seems, there are roadblocks to affordable care.

The New York Times - Health

Other potential roadblocks to China's membership have been greatly reduced.

The New York Times

The company faces substantial roadblocks to restoring profits.

The New York Times

Certainly the roadblocks to a deal remain formidable.

The New York Times

Local governments have put up roadblocks to the devices.

The New York Times

These are more nonsensical roadblocks to using the device.

The Guardian - Tech

There are also other formidable roadblocks to change.

The Guardian - Opinion

It may be that the drugs are "permissive," removing roadblocks to self-healing.

The New York Times

Other communities across the United States have encountered similar roadblocks to improving player safety.

The New York Times - Sports

Rules restrain arbitrary behaviour, but they also can provide formidable roadblocks to achievement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "roadblocks to", ensure the noun following 'to' is directly related to the intended outcome or goal that is being hindered. For example, "roadblocks to success" or "roadblocks to progress".

Common error

Avoid pairing "roadblocks to" with overly abstract or unrelated nouns. For instance, saying "roadblocks to happiness" might sound vague; instead, specify what concrete aspects are being hindered, such as "roadblocks to achieving financial stability."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "roadblocks to" functions as a noun phrase modifier. It typically precedes a noun, specifying what is being obstructed or hindered. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a common phrase, indicating impediments or obstacles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "roadblocks to" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote obstacles or hindrances. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and business contexts, it serves to pinpoint factors impeding progress. When using this phrase, ensure it's paired with concrete nouns to clearly articulate what's being obstructed. Alternatives include "obstacles to", "impediments to", and "hindrances to", depending on the desired formality and nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obstacles to

Replaces "roadblocks" with a more general synonym, maintaining the same structure and meaning.

impediments to

Uses a more formal synonym for "roadblocks", suggesting a slightly more sophisticated register.

hindrances to

Another synonym for "roadblocks", conveying the sense of something that slows down or prevents progress.

challenges to

Shifts the focus slightly from complete obstruction to difficulties that need to be overcome.

barriers against

Changes the preposition but retains the core meaning of something that prevents access or progress.

obstacles in the way of

Rephrases the expression to emphasize the positional aspect of the obstacles.

difficulties in achieving

Replaces the noun with a verb phrase, focusing on the act of achieving something.

constraints on

Highlights the limitations or restrictions imposed on something.

limitations on

Similar to "constraints on", but emphasizes the boundaries or extents that are set.

snags in

Uses a more informal term, "snags", to indicate minor difficulties or hitches.

FAQs

How can I use "roadblocks to" in a sentence?

You can use "roadblocks to" to describe obstacles or difficulties that are hindering progress towards a goal. For example, "Lack of funding is one of the main "roadblocks to" completing the project on time."

What are some alternatives to "roadblocks to"?

Some alternatives to "roadblocks to" include "obstacles to", "impediments to", and "hindrances to". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "roadblocks for" ever correct instead of "roadblocks to"?

While "roadblocks" can sometimes be followed by "for", as in "roadblocks for drivers" (referring to physical barriers), the phrase "roadblocks to" is used when discussing impediments towards a goal or outcome. "Roadblocks for" typically refers to something providing a physical block.

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

"Roadblocks to" implies more of a complete obstruction, while "challenges to" suggests difficulties that can still be overcome with effort. "Roadblocks" indicates something that stops progress, whereas "challenges" suggests something that makes progress more difficult.