small obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small obstacle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor difficulty or hindrance that is not significant enough to cause major issues. Example: "Although we faced a small obstacle in our project timeline, we were able to adjust our schedule and stay on track."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

This is no small obstacle.

The Economist

But there is one small obstacle.

The New York Times

North Carolina State represents no small obstacle.

The New York Times - Sports

There was just one small obstacle for the 20-year-old to overcome: the second world war.

The Guardian - Arts

In one room is a small obstacle course of rocks, which testers wearing backpacks walk through to test the shoes' durability.

The New York Times

The proposed approach is based on a sensitivity analysis of a design function with respect to the insertion of a small obstacle in the fluid flow domain.

Journal of Mathematical Analysis and Applications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Computational cost of this approach is low since small-scale obstacles are not resolved on the computational mesh.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

Detection of small obstacles requires careful measurement design.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Small obstacles such as friction will always get in the way.

The Economist

Once we had the flatwork under control, we learned to jump small obstacles in the arena.

The New York Times

One-legged machine hops in place, travels at a specified rate, keeps its balance when disturbed, and jumps over small obstacles.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "small obstacle", clearly state how it was overcome or why it isn't a major concern to maintain a positive or neutral tone.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of a "small obstacle". Using overly dramatic language can create a misleading impression of the situation's severity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small obstacle" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It denotes a minor impediment or challenge, often downplaying the significance of the difficulty. Ludwig provides examples of its usage across diverse fields, such as news, science, and general discourse.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

33%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small obstacle" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a minor difficulty or impediment. Ludwig AI analysis affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While conveying a sense of challenge, the phrase aims to minimize the perceived severity of the problem. Related phrases include "minor hurdle" and "slight setback", offering alternative ways to express similar concepts. When using "small obstacle", it's important to avoid exaggeration and maintain a balanced perspective to ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor impediment

Emphasizes the hindering aspect but suggests it's not a major problem.

slight setback

Focuses on the delaying effect of the obstacle.

minor hurdle

Suggests a challenge that can be easily overcome.

trivial difficulty

Highlights the insignificance of the problem.

insignificant barrier

Emphasizes the lack of importance of the obstacle.

manageable challenge

Focuses on the ability to handle the obstacle effectively.

minor inconvenience

Highlights the disruption caused, but suggests it's not serious.

slight hiccup

Suggests a temporary and easily resolved issue.

petty issue

Highlights the insignificance and triviality of the matter.

modest impediment

Emphasizes the limited impact of the obstruction.

FAQs

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

You can use "small obstacle" to describe a minor difficulty. For instance: "Although we faced a "small obstacle" in our project timeline, we adjusted our schedule."

What can I say instead of "small obstacle"?

You can use alternatives like "minor hurdle", "slight setback", or "trivial difficulty" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "small obstacle" or "minor obstruction"?

"Small obstacle" and "minor obstruction" are both correct and can be used interchangeably to describe a slight impediment. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

What's the difference between "small obstacle" and "major obstacle"?

A "small obstacle" represents a minor difficulty that's relatively easy to overcome. A "major obstacle" is a significant challenge that requires substantial effort and resources to address.