surmount a hurdle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "surmount a hurdle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing overcoming obstacles or challenges in various contexts, such as personal growth, business, or sports. Example: "Despite facing numerous setbacks, she was determined to surmount every hurdle in her path to success."

✓ Grammatically correct

Cancer Treatment

Light Microscopy

Talks between Israel and Palestinians

Bringing Former Leaders to Trial

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

To help surmount a hurdle in cancer treatment, the Conolly laboratory is developing a high-resolution three-dimensional imaging method, Magnetic Particle Imaging, which does not use any radiation and has unprecedented sensitivity.

University of California, Berkeley

The company is developing nanostructured compounds that can concentrate light through plasmonic effects to surmount a hurdle called the diffraction limit, which affects the resolution of light microscopes and lithography.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Belief can surmount many a hurdle.

Independent

If approved, the agreement could surmount a stubborn hurdle to talks between Israel and the Palestinians, which began with much fanfare in Washington in early September but soon ran aground after Israel's 10-month partial moratorium on settlement construction expired later that month.

The New York Times

The compromise appears to have surmounted a major hurdle in eventually bringing former leaders of the Khmer Rouge to trial.

The New York Times

Ms. Kraninger surmounted a key hurdle last week when a member of the National Economic Council staff, Andrew Olmem, signed off on her nomination, people close to the situation said.

The New York Times

If the genetic modifiers are discovered directly in studies of humans, then the pathways/processes revealed will already be validated to modify the pathogenic process in HD patients, surmounting a major hurdle early in the drug development process.

Genome Medicine

South had now reached a game that was unbeatable after the normal lead of the spade queen, but he had a hurdle to surmount in the play.

The New York Times - Arts

Seldom has an index risen as rapidly as the Nasdaq composite has done in leaping above the 5,000 mark, a hurdle it surmounted yesterday little more than four months after it first pushed past 3,000.

The New York Times

And they all require the government to surmount a number of formidable hurdles.

Harvard Business Review

This requires the elaboration of real-time mutation screening for inclusion into clinical trials, a hurdle not previously surmounted in earlier targeted therapy trials in cancer.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "surmount a hurdle" when you want to convey a sense of achievement and overcoming a specific, identifiable obstacle. It is suitable for situations where a clear barrier exists and is successfully passed.

Common error

Avoid using "surmount a hurdle" for vague or undefined challenges. This phrase works best when there's a concrete obstacle, not just a general difficulty or feeling. For abstract contexts, consider alternatives like "overcome a challenge".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surmount a hurdle" functions as a verb phrase, where 'surmount' is the verb and 'a hurdle' is the object. It describes the action of overcoming a specific obstacle or difficulty, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "surmount a hurdle" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that means to successfully overcome a specific obstacle. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively communicates achievement and progress. While common in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, it should be used when referring to distinct obstacles, not vague challenges. Alternatives like "overcome an obstacle" or "rise above a challenge" may be more appropriate in abstract situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overcome an obstacle

A more general and widely used alternative. It lacks the imagery of jumping over something.

clear a hurdle

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes the act of successfully passing the obstacle.

get over a difficulty

Focuses on the emotional or mental process of dealing with something challenging.

rise above a challenge

Implies not just overcoming, but also emerging stronger or better.

conquer an impediment

A more formal and forceful way of expressing overcoming a barrier.

triumph over adversity

Suggests a significant struggle against difficult circumstances.

navigate a problem

Emphasizes skillful maneuvering to avoid or overcome difficulties.

break through a barrier

Suggests a forceful effort to overcome a restrictive obstacle.

resolve a difficulty

Focuses on finding a solution to a challenging situation.

handle an issue

A more casual way of dealing with a problem or challenge.

FAQs

What does "surmount a hurdle" mean?

The phrase "surmount a hurdle" means to successfully overcome an obstacle or difficulty. It implies clearing a specific barrier to achieve a goal.

How can I use "surmount a hurdle" in a sentence?

You can use "surmount a hurdle" to describe overcoming challenges in various contexts. For example: "The company had to "surmount a hurdle" to launch their new product."

What can I say instead of "surmount a hurdle"?

You can use alternatives like "overcome an obstacle", "clear a hurdle", or "get over a difficulty depending on the context.

Is it better to say "surmount a hurdle" or "overcome a challenge"?

Both phrases are correct, but "surmount a hurdle" is more specific, implying a distinct obstacle. "Overcome a challenge" is a broader term suitable for general difficulties.