should not obstruct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should not obstruct" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something must not interfere with or block a process, action, or pathway. Example: "The new policy should not obstruct the flow of communication between departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Confidentiality should not obstruct parliamentary scrutiny of HMRC's sweetheart deals.

The Guardian - Opinion

He now tells the Poles that solidarity is a "two-way street", meaning they should not obstruct a new treaty.

The Economist

The local situation, he says, should not obstruct the nation's democratic processes.Disenfranchisement is a relative term: many voters would probably prefer not to be visited by oleaginous candidates, provided they can still vote.

The Economist

But, practically, this solution should not obstruct the isolator itself to achieve efficient isolation regarding reducing the peak absolute structural accelerations.

International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering (IJASE)

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

These prejudices may be amusing or even ring partially true, but they shouldn't obstruct the ultimate aim, however flawed and difficult to reach it may seem: a cinematic language that crosses all borders and barriers.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the American public has a right to know what's going on within the presidency at all times, and the administration should not hinder or obstruct that Constitutionally-protected access.

Huffington Post

Anecdotal reports of pontine myelinolysis are not in line with literature concerning acute hyponatremia and should, therefore, not obstruct determined action against it.

BMC Anesthesiology

Governments should also ensure that incumbents do not obstruct the entry of nimble newcomers, and keep open a range of options for producing energy, including running existing nuclear plants to the end of their useful life.

The Economist

Portugal would not obstruct Reedman's entry should he arrive, Salazar said, as he was travelling on a (Rhodesian-issued) British passport.

Wikipedia

"The prevention of unwanted pregnancy, particularly in adolescents, should not be obstructed by politicians," she told the AP.

Huffington Post

Participants mentioned that the route to the ABHR dispenser should not be obstructed by people or objects.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should not obstruct", ensure that the sentence clearly identifies what action or process is being protected from obstruction. This adds clarity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "should not obstruct" in contexts where a stronger term like 'prevent' or 'prohibit' is more appropriate. Using 'obstruct' implies a hindrance, not necessarily a complete stoppage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should not obstruct" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a recommendation or obligation against creating obstacles. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "should not obstruct" is a grammatically sound and usable expression indicating that something ought not to impede or hinder a particular process or action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It functions primarily to advise against creating obstacles, and its register is typically neutral to formal. While relatively uncommon, the phrase appears across various domains, including news media, science, and wiki sources. Related phrases, such as "should not impede" or "must not hinder", offer similar meanings with varying degrees of formality. When using this phrase, clarity is essential; specify what action or process should remain unobstructed to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should not impede

Keeps "should" but replaces "obstruct" with "impede", suggesting a slowing or hindering effect.

should not hinder

Keeps "should" but replaces "obstruct" with "hinder", implying making something more difficult.

must not impede

Replaces "should" with "must" for stronger obligation and "obstruct" with "impede", suggesting a slowing or hindering effect.

must not hinder

Replaces "should" with "must" for stronger obligation and "obstruct" with "hinder", implying making something more difficult.

should not impede progress

Adds "progress" to clarify what is being obstructed, making the phrase more specific.

ought not to block

Replaces "should" with "ought to" for a slightly more formal tone and "obstruct" with "block", meaning to prevent passage or progress.

should not prevent

Replaces "obstruct" with "prevent", suggesting stopping something from happening altogether.

should not get in the way of

Uses a more idiomatic expression, implying interference rather than complete blockage.

should not stifle

Replaces "obstruct" with "stifle", implying suppression or constraint.

must not pose an obstacle to

Uses a more formal and indirect construction, highlighting the creation of a barrier.

FAQs

What does "should not obstruct" mean?

The phrase "should not obstruct" means that something ought not to hinder, block, or impede the progress or function of something else. It suggests a recommendation or expectation against creating obstacles.

How can I use "should not obstruct" in a sentence?

You can use "should not obstruct" to indicate that a particular action or policy should not interfere with a process or goal. For example: "The new regulations "should not obstruct" the flow of communication between departments."

What are some alternatives to "should not obstruct"?

Alternatives to "should not obstruct" include phrases like "should not impede", "should not hinder", or "must not impede", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "should not obstruct" formal or informal?

"Should not obstruct" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. More informal alternatives might include "should not get in the way of", while more formal options could be "must not pose an obstacle to".