small obstacles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small obstacles" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to minor challenges or difficulties that may arise in a situation or task. Example: "Despite facing small obstacles along the way, we managed to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

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

Mario automatically runs from left to right and clambers over small obstacles, while you tap lightly for a little jump and harder for a bigger leap.

The Guardian - Tech

He quickly impressed teachers and principals at the technical schools, in large part by coming to visit often and worrying about the small obstacles.

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "small obstacles", ensure the context clarifies what makes them 'small' – is it their size, impact, or difficulty? This adds precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the effect of "small obstacles". Overemphasizing their importance can undermine your credibility and make your argument seem less convincing. Focus on the real challenges instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small obstacles" functions as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "obstacles". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and used to describe minor impediments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

32%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small obstacles" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe minor challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability across various contexts. It is particularly common in "News & Media" and "Science", indicating its usefulness in both general and specialized discourse. Remember to use it accurately and avoid overstating the impact of these "small obstacles" to maintain clarity and credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor impediments

Emphasis on "impediments" highlights the hindering aspect, while "minor" keeps the scale small.

little challenges

Replaces "obstacles" with "challenges", framing them as opportunities for growth, but keeps the diminutive "little".

trivial difficulties

"Trivial" suggests the problems are easily overcome, differing slightly in tone from "small".

insignificant hurdles

"Hurdles" maintains the obstacle metaphor, with "insignificant" underlining their lack of importance.

slight setbacks

"Setbacks" implies a temporary delay or reversal, focusing on the impact rather than the object itself.

minor inconveniences

Shifts the focus to the annoyance caused by the obstacles, rather than their physical presence or difficulty.

petty annoyances

"Petty" and "annoyances" highlight the irritating nature of these small obstacles.

easily overcome challenges

This alternative emphasizes the ease with which the challenges can be resolved.

manageable difficulties

Highlights the ease of managing and dealing with such situations.

surmountable problems

Emphasizes that the problems can be overcome, a slight shift from simply being small.

FAQs

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

You can use "small obstacles" to describe minor difficulties or challenges encountered while pursuing a goal. For example, "Despite the "small obstacles", the project was completed successfully".

What are some synonyms for "small obstacles"?

Alternatives to "small obstacles" include "minor impediments", "little challenges", or "insignificant hurdles". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "minor obstacles" or "small obstacles"?

"Minor obstacles" and "small obstacles" are often interchangeable. "Minor obstacles" may emphasize the impact or significance is small, whereas "small obstacles" can refer to physical size or level of difficulty.

How do "small obstacles" differ from significant challenges?

"Small obstacles" represent minor difficulties that are typically easy to overcome, while significant challenges are more substantial and require more effort and resources to resolve. Recognizing this difference helps in strategic planning and resource allocation.