surmount obstacles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'surmount obstacles' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing the process of overcoming a difficult situation or problem. Example sentence: Throughout her career, she has been able to surmount obstacles and succeed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Talent and leverage would push the narrative and help it surmount obstacles predictable and unforeseen.

The New York Times - Sports

Les possessed a quiet determination to surmount obstacles and achieve his goals.

The New York Times

Season 2 continues as the contestants are challenged to take parkour, in which players use only their bodies to surmount obstacles, as their inspiration.

The New York Times

Max and the Magic Marker: A side-scrolling game where a player can draw bridges, tools, and other objects to surmount obstacles.

The New Yorker

"Aman is free, at least," Emma observes,praying the child she carries is a son, "freeto range, … to surmount obstacles, to tastethe rarest pleasures.

The New York Times - Books

"In Pakistan, heroic health workers often have to surmount obstacles, and even risk their lives to reach children who are unprotected," Mr. Gates said before heading to New York this week.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The two are accustomed to surmounting obstacles.

The New York Times

Like Administration officials recounting the milestones in the bin Laden search, Daniels enumerated some of the now surmounted obstacles.

The New Yorker

"Loss aversion" means we're more afraid of losing what we want in the short-term than surmounting obstacles in the distance.

The Guardian

And that suggests another problem with hardship porn: its insinuation that surmounting obstacles equals acquiring real character, which is ostensibly impossible without tough times.

The New York Times

Surmounting Obstacles, by Elisabeth Pain, 27 June 2003.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "surmount obstacles" to convey a sense of overcoming significant challenges through effort and determination. It's particularly effective when emphasizing resilience and achieving success against the odds.

Common error

Avoid using "surmount obstacles" for trivial or minor inconveniences. The phrase is best reserved for situations where the challenges are genuinely substantial and require considerable effort to overcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surmount obstacles" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "surmount" is a transitive verb requiring a direct object. It typically describes the action of overcoming or rising above difficulties. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

3%

Science & Research

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "surmount obstacles" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the act of overcoming significant challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for written English. It carries a neutral to formal tone and is commonly found in contexts such as news, science, and business. When using this phrase, it is important to reserve it for situations that genuinely involve substantial difficulties. Consider alternatives like "overcome challenges" or "triumph over difficulties" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overcome challenges

Emphasizes the act of successfully dealing with difficult situations or problems.

overcome hurdles

Suggests a series of smaller obstacles that need to be cleared, often in a competitive setting.

conquer adversity

Implies a significant struggle against misfortune or hardship, often with a sense of triumph.

triumph over difficulties

Highlights the successful resolution of problems or challenges, emphasizing the positive outcome.

rise above limitations

Focuses on exceeding personal or external constraints, suggesting an improvement beyond initial expectations.

break through barriers

Conveys the sense of overcoming restrictions or impediments, often in a systemic or institutional context.

navigate difficulties

Suggests a careful and strategic approach to dealing with complexities, implying skillful maneuvering.

weather storms

Implies enduring and surviving through turbulent or difficult times, often with resilience and fortitude.

meet with success in spite of challenges

Emphasizes the achievement of goals despite the presence of obstacles, highlighting the contrast between effort and outcome.

defeat setbacks

Focuses on overcoming temporary failures or reverses, implying resilience and the ability to recover from adversity.

FAQs

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

You can use "surmount obstacles" to describe how someone overcame significant challenges in order to achieve a goal. For instance, "Through perseverance, she was able to "surmount obstacles" and achieve her dreams".

What are some alternatives to "surmount obstacles"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "overcome challenges", "triumph over difficulties", or "rise above limitations" to express a similar idea.

Is it more appropriate to say "surmount obstacles" or "overcome obstacles"?

"Surmount obstacles" and "overcome obstacles" are largely interchangeable. However, "surmount" can sometimes imply a greater level of effort or a more significant challenge than "overcome".

What is the difference between "surmount obstacles" and "circumvent obstacles"?

"Surmount obstacles" means to directly overcome challenges. "Circumvent obstacles" implies finding a way around them without directly confronting them.