series of obstacles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'series of obstacles' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an accumulation of hardships or difficulties that must be overcome in order to achieve a goal. For example: "The team had to deal with a series of obstacles in order to reach the summit of the mountain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was forced to use a wheelchair and found a whole series of obstacles.

The Guardian

But any deal would have to overcome a series of obstacles first.

The New York Times

Even in boom times arts management is about surmounting an inexorable series of obstacles.

The New York Times - Arts

"Running your own business is a series of obstacles that you turn into opportunities.

The Guardian

The hurdling events combine sprinting with negotiating a series of obstacles called hurdles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But, he said, he sees "a series of obstacles and a lack of determination" on both sides.

The New York Times

You've got to get him from the start line to the finish by negotiating a series of obstacles and jumps.

The Guardian - Tech

In recent weeks, however, negotiations have hit a series of obstacles despite weeks of intensive diplomatic efforts by US officials.

The Guardian

When she decided to leave her abusive husband after 11 years together, she faced a series of obstacles.

The Guardian

A few years ago foreign investors rushed into Ethiopia to lease agricultural land for commercial farming but encountered a series of obstacles.

The Economist

But his ubiquity is the result of a lengthy apprenticeship in the comedy trenches and a series of obstacles that would weaken the resolve of lesser men.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "series of obstacles", consider the specific nature of these obstacles. Are they physical, mental, emotional, or logistical? Specifying the type of obstacles enhances the clarity and impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid overusing "series of obstacles" as a generic phrase. While it's accurate, substituting it with more descriptive alternatives like "litany of setbacks" or "succession of hurdles" can make your writing more engaging and precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "series of obstacles" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "series of obstacles" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a sequence of challenges or difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's frequently used in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, consider the specific type of obstacles to enhance clarity, and avoid overuse by substituting with more descriptive alternatives like "succession of hurdles" or "string of difficulties".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

succession of hurdles

Focuses on the sequential nature of the challenges, akin to a track event.

string of difficulties

Emphasizes the troublesome nature of the events, using a more negative connotation.

chain of challenges

Highlights the interconnectedness of the difficulties, suggesting a dependency between them.

barrage of impediments

Conveys a sense of overwhelming obstacles, implying a rapid and continuous succession.

litany of setbacks

Stresses the repetitive and often frustrating nature of the hindering events.

obstacle course

Uses a more metaphorical phrase to indicate a challenging path with many hurdles.

gauntlet of trials

Suggests a more severe and testing experience, implying a need for endurance and resilience.

parade of problems

Implies a public and conspicuous display of difficulties, often suggesting a more visible struggle.

mountain of adversity

Focuses on the scale of hardships to be handled, indicating a massive task.

minefield of issues

Highlights the danger and complexity of the difficulties, suggesting careful navigation is required.

FAQs

How can I use "series of obstacles" in a sentence?

You can use "series of obstacles" to describe a succession of challenges hindering progress, for example: "The project faced a series of obstacles, including funding shortages and logistical problems."

What can I say instead of "series of obstacles"?

You can use alternatives like "succession of hurdles", "string of difficulties", or "chain of challenges" depending on the context.

Is "series of obstacle" grammatically correct?

No, it should be "series of obstacles" (plural). The plural form is necessary because "series" refers to multiple obstacles, not just one.

What's the difference between "series of obstacles" and "obstacle course"?

"Series of obstacles" describes a sequence of individual challenges, while "obstacle course" refers to a designed sequence of obstacles intended to test skill and endurance.