run into the same obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "run into the same obstacle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing encountering the same problem or difficulty as someone else or in a previous situation. Example: "Despite our best efforts, we seem to run into the same obstacle every time we try to implement the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Mutualising part of the national debts would create a risk-free European asset.The German problem (again)All these options ultimately run into the same obstacle: Germany.

The Economist

A Republican administration could easily have run into the same obstacle, especially if it took the notion of Iraq's sovereignty half seriously, as Mrs Bachmann, who would appropriate its oil revenues and stay on regardless, plainly doesn't.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Analysts said Facebook's ambitions might well run into the same obstacles that have thwarted Google and Amazon as they have sought to expand across the Web.

The New York Times - Tech

Madeleine Fleming, 25, an online product manager who lives in Brooklyn, ran into the same obstacle when she tried to persuade her mother, who is in her late 50s.

The New York Times - Tech

But Prism ran into the same obstacles faced by other DSL players:balky technology, exorbitant customer acquisition costs and slow-footedness by regional Bells to hook up the service.

Forbes

Or Ms. Somsak had run into exactly the same obstacles as Mr. Kosgrove and had learned next to nothing.

The New York Times

Talented managers often get frustrated by their pace of career advancement, sign on with a new company, and run into the same problems that were an obstacle in their prior organization.

Harvard Business Review

MR: You run into the same bands often?

Huffington Post

We run into the same problem with our state holidays.

Los Angeles Times

Still, she ran into the same challenge.

MIT Technology Review

She kept running into the same genre of problem.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "run into the same obstacle", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the obstacle is and who else has encountered it. This helps avoid ambiguity and reinforces the connection you are trying to make.

Common error

Avoid vague references to the obstacle. Always specify what the "same obstacle" is to maintain clarity and prevent misinterpretation. For instance, instead of saying "They ran into the same obstacle", specify: "They ran into the same obstacle: limited funding".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run into the same obstacle" functions as a predicate in a sentence, describing the action of encountering a recurring difficulty. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correct usage. The phrase often specifies a shared or repeating problem.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "run into the same obstacle" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe encountering a difficulty that has been previously experienced by others. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and useful phrase in written English. Its frequency is common, appearing in contexts such as news, media, and academic writing. The phrase's primary function is to highlight a shared or repeating challenge. While versatile, clarity is crucial; always specify the obstacle to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "face the same difficulty" or "encounter the same problem" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality. By understanding its usage and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively use "run into the same obstacle" to convey shared experiences and recurring challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

face the same difficulty

Replaces "run into" with "face" and "obstacle" with "difficulty", slightly more formal.

encounter the same problem

Substitutes "obstacle" with "problem", offering a more general term.

meet the same challenge

Employs "meet" instead of "run into" and "challenge" for "obstacle", implying a proactive approach.

confront the identical hurdle

Uses "confront" for a stronger sense of facing the obstacle and "hurdle" as a synonym.

experience a similar setback

Replaces the direct confrontation with a more passive "experience" and uses "setback" to denote a temporary impediment.

fall afoul of the same issue

Uses a more idiomatic expression "fall afoul of" to mean encountering an issue, adding a touch of formality.

stumble upon the same impediment

Employs "stumble upon" to suggest an accidental encounter and "impediment" for a more formal synonym of obstacle.

find oneself up against the same barrier

Rephrases to emphasize the state of being challenged by a "barrier".

hit the same roadblock

Utilizes "roadblock" as a metaphor for obstacle, suggesting something that halts progress.

be stymied by the same thing

Uses "stymied" to indicate being blocked or prevented from progressing by "the same thing".

FAQs

How can I use "run into the same obstacle" in a sentence?

You can use "run into the same obstacle" to describe encountering a recurring difficulty or a problem that someone else has already faced. For example: "Despite the new strategy, we "run into the same obstacle": lack of resources".

What are some alternatives to "run into the same obstacle"?

Alternatives include phrases like "face the same difficulty", "encounter the same problem", or "meet the same challenge". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "run into the same obstacle"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is widely used in both formal and informal contexts.

What's the difference between "run into the same obstacle" and "face a similar challenge"?

"Run into the same obstacle" implies that the difficulty is not only similar but also previously encountered by someone else, suggesting a shared or repeating issue. "Face a similar challenge", on the other hand, simply means facing a challenge that is similar to one faced by someone else, without necessarily implying repetition or a shared history.