running into obstacles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "running into obstacles" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe encountering difficulties or challenges while trying to achieve something. Example: "While working on the project, we found ourselves running into obstacles that delayed our progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

But she was running into obstacles.

The New York Times

But: The project keeps running into obstacles.

MIT Technology Review

Large American technology companies are increasingly running into obstacles as they expand in Europe.

The New York Times

Jaime Paredes, 57, said he kept running into obstacles when he tried to buy a two-bedroom apartment in a desirable area.

The New York Times

The book does detail where Netscape stumbled: shifting its strategy too often and running into obstacles in its software development efforts.

The New York Times

A32 SCIENCE/HEALTH Cold Reception for Drug Safety Despite calls from medical experts and a prominent Republican senator for an independent office to monitor drug safety, the idea, prompted by the Food and Drug Administration's handling of the painkiller Vioxx, is already running into obstacles.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Some planned mergers, however, have run into obstacles.

The New York Times

Some concepts fell into place smoothly, while others ran into obstacles along the way.

The Economist

Tells how Ved & other blind children at times ran into obstacles & hurt themselves.

The New Yorker

But a deal for Cegetel could run into obstacles from Cegetel's other shareholders.

The New York Times

But even before Trump announced his opposition, Lee's bill had run into obstacles.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "running into obstacles", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the difficulties. Provide specific details to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "running into obstacles" without specifying what those obstacles are. Vague language can weaken your writing and confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "running into obstacles" functions as a verb phrase indicating the experience of encountering difficulties or challenges. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its common usage and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

19%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "running into obstacles" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe encountering difficulties or challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts, most frequently in News & Media. While versatile, it's best used with clear context and specific details about the obstacles encountered. Alternatives such as "encountering setbacks" or "facing difficulties" can offer nuanced variations in meaning, so make sure to choose the best one for you.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encountering setbacks

Focuses on the negative impact or delay caused by the difficulty.

facing difficulties

Emphasizes the act of confronting challenges directly.

hitting roadblocks

Uses a metaphor to describe obstructions in progress.

meeting resistance

Highlights opposition or pushback as the source of difficulty.

experiencing hurdles

Implies a series of obstacles that need to be overcome.

stumbling upon challenges

Suggests an unexpected encounter with difficulties.

grappling with issues

Highlights the struggle and effort involved in dealing with problems.

contending with obstacles

Focuses on actively fighting or competing against difficulties.

navigating complexities

Implies a need for skillful maneuvering to overcome difficulties.

wrestling with problems

Suggests a prolonged and difficult engagement with issues.

FAQs

How can I use "running into obstacles" in a sentence?

You can use "running into obstacles" to describe situations where you are facing difficulties or challenges. For example, "The project team kept running into obstacles that delayed the launch date."

What can I say instead of "running into obstacles"?

You can use alternatives like "encountering setbacks", "facing difficulties", or "hitting roadblocks" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "running into obstacles" or "encountering challenges"?

Both "running into obstacles" and "encountering challenges" are correct and usable. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Running into obstacles" can imply a more abrupt or unexpected encounter with difficulties.

What is the difference between "running into obstacles" and "overcoming obstacles"?

"Running into obstacles" refers to the initial experience of facing difficulties, while "overcoming obstacles" implies successfully resolving those difficulties. One describes the problem, and the other describes the solution.