significant obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

"significant obstacle" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe something that is difficult or challenging to overcome. Example: The lack of access to quality education is a significant obstacle for many children in developing countries.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The debt relief effort still faces one significant obstacle.

The New York Times

One significant obstacle seems to have been cleared.

The New York Times

Viral latency remains the most significant obstacle to HIV eradication.

Nature

The more significant obstacle appears to be a temperamental difference.

The New York Times

Even getting on the ballot is a significant obstacle.

The New York Times

This is a significant obstacle for implementation of RE policies.

Energy Policy

She knows they're her real opponents, and a far more significant obstacle to her becoming President.

The New Yorker

China's ambivalence about the openness essential to contain the virus is seen as a significant obstacle.

The New York Times

That's going to present a very significant obstacle to this whole procedure".

The New York Times - Magazine

The violence and general security threats still pose a significant obstacle in implementing solutions.

Harvard University

But they face a significant obstacle when it comes to research funding.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider quantifying the impact of the "significant obstacle" if possible. For example, instead of saying "a significant obstacle to progress", specify "a significant obstacle, delaying the project by six months".

Common error

Avoid using "significant obstacle" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for truly substantial impediments to maintain credibility and avoid hyperbole.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant obstacle" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a considerable impediment or challenge. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

32%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "significant obstacle" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a noteworthy impediment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its frequent appearance in diverse contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Academia highlights its widespread applicability. When employing the phrase "significant obstacle", remember to reserve it for describing impactful impediments rather than minor inconveniences. Alternatives like "major impediment" or "substantial barrier" can be used to add variety to your writing. By following these guidelines, you can use the phrase effectively to add clarity and impact to your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major impediment

Emphasizes the hindering nature of the obstacle, suggesting it significantly slows progress.

substantial barrier

Highlights the blocking effect of the obstacle, portraying it as a clear boundary or obstruction.

formidable challenge

Shifts focus to the demanding nature of the obstacle, suggesting it requires considerable effort to overcome.

considerable hurdle

Implies the obstacle is a task that needs to be surmounted, often involving a jump or leap.

serious impediment

Similar to "major impediment" but emphasizes the gravity or importance of the hindrance.

notable hindrance

Stresses that the obstacle is worth noting or paying attention to due to its impact.

key stumbling block

Focuses on the obstacle as something that causes one to falter or fail.

principal difficulty

Highlights the obstacle as the primary or most important source of trouble or hardship.

primary challenge

Emphasizes the obstacle as the main source of difficulty.

major setback

Indicates that the obstacle has caused a reversal or delay in progress.

FAQs

How can I use "significant obstacle" in a sentence?

You can use "significant obstacle" to describe something that is hindering progress or preventing a goal from being achieved. For example, "Lack of funding is a significant obstacle to the project's success."

What are some alternatives to "significant obstacle"?

You can use alternatives like "major impediment", "substantial barrier", or "formidable challenge" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "significant obstacle" or "major obstacle"?

Both "significant obstacle" and "major obstacle" are acceptable, but "significant" can imply a more profound or impactful impediment than "major". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What makes something a "significant obstacle" rather than just an obstacle?

A "significant obstacle" is one that has a substantial impact on progress or success. It's not just a minor inconvenience, but a considerable challenge that requires serious effort to overcome. It's more than just an obstacle, something noteworthy that needs to be addressed and managed.