substantial obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial obstacle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant barrier or hindrance that impedes progress or achievement in a particular context. Example: "The new regulations present a substantial obstacle to the company's expansion plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Third, effective dissemination is a substantial obstacle, and delivery is easily disrupted by environmental and meteorological conditions.

The Economist

But the filmmakers' tendency to seek the same results with their living actors as they would with their puppets is also a substantial obstacle.

The New York Times

"Each places a substantial obstacle in the path of women seeking a previability abortion, each constitutes an undue burden on abortion access … and each violates the Federal Constitution".

The Guardian

In the early stages of pregnancy, the court barred only laws that are a "substantial obstacle to a woman seeking an abortion".

The Economist

In her ruling on Casey, she changed the standard from "severe limitation" to "substantial obstacle".That, however, is a Supreme Court justice's prerogative.

The Economist

"If they're denied or if the hospitals are dragging their feet, that's going to be more clear evidence that there's a substantial obstacle" to an abortion, clinic attorney Robert McDuff said.

The Guardian

Law-abiding aliens might wish to return to their home country, for instance, but the strained relationship caused by the difficult repatriation talks might prove to be a substantial obstacle for these aliens as well.

The New York Times

An "undue burden is shorthand for the conclusion that a state regulation has the purpose or effect of placing a substantial obstacle in the path of a woman seeking an abortion of a nonviable fetus".

The New York Times

An undue burden, the Court said, exists when "a state regulation has the purpose or effect of placing a substantial obstacle in the path of a woman seeking an abortion".

The New Yorker

Most of the debate around H.B. 2 has instead focussed on the "effect" part of Casey's vague standard: How far can the state force women to drive to get an abortion before the distance counts as a substantial obstacle?

The New Yorker

For all the accord, however, the dispute over the Kuriles -- four rugged islands northeast of the Japanese island of Hokkaido -- remains a substantial obstacle to improved ties, one reinforced by nationalistic sentiments in both countries.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantial obstacle", ensure the context clearly defines what the obstacle is and its impact. Be specific about why it's 'substantial' rather than a minor inconvenience.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial obstacle" for minor issues. Reserve it for situations where the barrier genuinely poses a significant threat to success or progress, so as not to diminish the impact of the phrase when used in genuinely critical scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial obstacle" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object, describing a significant impediment. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "substantial obstacle" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a significant impediment. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is widely used across various domains, primarily in News & Media and Science. Alternatives like "significant impediment" or "major roadblock" can be used depending on the desired tone and context. When using "substantial obstacle", be sure to clearly define the obstacle and its impact. Avoid using it for minor issues to maintain its effectiveness in critical situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant impediment

Emphasizes the hindering effect with slightly more formal vocabulary.

major roadblock

Uses a more direct and visual metaphor to describe the barrier.

serious hurdle

Highlights the challenge aspect, implying effort is needed to overcome it.

formidable barrier

Suggests the obstacle is difficult to overcome due to its strength or size.

considerable hindrance

Similar in meaning but uses a slightly more formal and academic tone.

tough challenge

Focuses on the difficulty presented by the obstacle.

notable setback

Emphasizes the negative impact on progress.

significant challenge

Replaces obstacle with challenge to soften the tone.

major problem

Uses a more general term to describe the difficulty.

serious difficulty

Highlights the problematic nature of the obstacle.

FAQs

How to use "substantial obstacle" in a sentence?

Use "substantial obstacle" to describe a significant barrier hindering progress. For example, "The lack of funding is a substantial obstacle to the project's completion".

What can I say instead of "substantial obstacle"?

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

Which is correct, "significant obstacle" or "substantial obstacle"?

Both "significant obstacle" and "substantial obstacle" are correct. "Substantial" often implies a slightly greater magnitude or impact than "significant".

What's the difference between "challenge" and "substantial obstacle"?

A "challenge" is a difficulty that can be overcome with effort. A "substantial obstacle" implies a more significant and potentially insurmountable barrier. A "tough challenge" might be a good substitution.