running into snags

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "running into snags" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing encountering difficulties or obstacles while trying to complete a task or project. Example: "While working on the project, we started running into snags that delayed our progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

1962 Europe and U.K. Run Into Snag BRUSSELS — Britain's trouble-ridden negotiations with the European Common Market ran into more difficulty today [Oct. 8] as they resumed here on the Foreign Ministers' level after a two-month lapse.

The New York Times

Conversely, first-time buyers who run into snags and delay closings can hold up the sellers.

The New York Times

Yet Protecting Futures has run into snags beyond the hurdles it had anticipated.

The New York Times

In fact, AltaRock immediately ran into snags with its drilling, repeatedly snapping off bits in shallow formations called caprock.

The New York Times - Science

But even people who think their papers are neatly in order can run into snags that upend their lives.

The New York Times

Other telecoms and airport-equipment companies among a total of 50 Chinese businesses in India have also run into snags, including difficulties in obtaining visas for visiting staff.

The Economist

Fulton also said a plan to turn off power at the site, first reported by the Guardian, had run into snags.

The Guardian

But subsequently, the officials said, American diplomats ran into snags from Russia and France, both of which raised objections and demanded greater control for the United Nations.

The New York Times

At the same time two more Moses-conceived projects - a mid-Manhattan Expressway and the Lower Manhatan Expressway - began to run into snags.

The New York Times

A new school data system introduced this fall also ran into snags, leaving some students unable to get assigned to classes or obtain transcripts for college applications.

The New York Times

Negotiations to sell its fiber optics operation, a transaction that could be worth as much as $4 billion, are continuing but have run into snags after the possibility arose that Corning might challenge the transaction in court.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "running into snags" when you want to describe unexpected problems or obstacles that have arisen during a process or project. It implies a degree of surprise and difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "running into snags" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "encountering obstacles" or "experiencing setbacks" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "running into snags" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used within a clause to describe the action of encountering unexpected difficulties or obstacles during a project or process. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "running into snags" is a grammatically sound way to express the occurrence of unexpected difficulties or obstacles, according to Ludwig. While generally considered appropriate for neutral contexts, it may be best to opt for more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings. Some alternatives are "encountering obstacles" or "experiencing setbacks" in professional context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encountering obstacles

Focuses on the act of meeting obstructions, slightly more formal.

facing difficulties

Highlights the experience of dealing with hard situations, similar level of formality.

hitting roadblocks

Implies sudden and significant impediments, more informal.

experiencing setbacks

Emphasizes temporary delays or reversals in progress, more formal.

meeting with problems

A more literal and general way to describe encountering issues.

finding complications

Highlights the discovery of complex or intricate issues.

stumbling upon hurdles

Suggests unexpectedly encountering challenges, slightly less formal.

getting bogged down

Indicates being slowed or stopped by difficulties, more informal.

being thwarted by issues

Emphasizes the frustration of being blocked by problems, more formal.

having a tough time

A general expression for experiencing difficulty, quite informal.

FAQs

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

You can use "running into snags" to describe encountering unexpected difficulties. For example: "The project started smoothly, but we soon started "running into snags" that delayed our progress."

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

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

Is "running into snags" too informal for professional emails?

While acceptable, "running into snags" might be perceived as slightly informal. Consider using alternatives such as "encountering challenges" or "facing complications" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "running into snags" and "encountering problems"?

"Running into snags" implies unexpected, often minor, difficulties that cause delay. "Encountering problems" is a broader term that can refer to any kind of difficulty, expected or unexpected, minor or major.