the biggest obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the biggest obstacle' is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you could use it in a sentence such as: "The biggest obstacle standing between me and success is my lack of confidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The biggest obstacle?

Harvard University

The biggest obstacle is Congress itself.

The New York Times

The biggest obstacle is police reform.

The Economist

The biggest obstacle is money.

The New York Times

The biggest obstacle is MTV.

The New York Times

The biggest obstacle is budgetary.

The New York Times - Science

The biggest obstacle was flavor.

The New York Times - Magazine

The biggest obstacle was my library.

The New York Times - Books

But the biggest obstacle is people's attitude.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's the biggest obstacle we face.

The Guardian

What has been the biggest obstacle?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the biggest obstacle", ensure that the context clearly defines what is being obstructed or hindered. Providing specific details strengthens the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "the biggest obstacle" as a vague placeholder. Instead, identify the obstacle precisely and explain its impact to make your writing more effective and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the biggest obstacle" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a primary impediment or challenge, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

28%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the biggest obstacle" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a primary challenge or impediment. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage across diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media, academia, and formal business settings. While it is generally considered a neutral expression, ensuring contextual clarity is crucial for effective communication. Alternatives such as "the main challenge" or "the primary impediment" can offer subtle variations in meaning. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the most significant impediment

Adds emphasis to the importance and impact of the impeding factor.

the main challenge

Focuses on the difficulty as a challenge to be overcome, shifting from an obstacle to a task.

the primary impediment

Uses a more formal term ("impediment") to denote something that hinders progress.

the most substantial challenge

Highlights the considerable nature of the challenge to be addressed.

the chief difficulty

Highlights the problematic nature of the situation, emphasizing the trouble it causes.

the greatest hurdle

Emphasizes the need to overcome something significant, using the metaphor of a hurdle.

the major stumbling block

Implies something that causes one to hesitate or fail, highlighting the potential for error.

the key barrier

Highlights something that prevents movement or progress, often suggesting a physical or abstract wall.

the principal constraint

Focuses on the limitations imposed by something, often in a logistical or resource-related context.

the foremost limitation

Emphasizes a restrictive aspect, suggesting something that cannot be easily surpassed.

FAQs

How can I use "the biggest obstacle" in a sentence?

You can use "the biggest obstacle" to describe a major challenge or impediment in a situation. For example, "The biggest obstacle to the project's success is funding".

What are some alternatives to saying "the biggest obstacle"?

You can use alternatives like "the main challenge", "the primary impediment", or "the greatest hurdle" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "the biggest obstacle"?

Yes, "the biggest obstacle" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a significant challenge or impediment.

What is the difference between "the biggest obstacle" and "a minor inconvenience"?

"The biggest obstacle" refers to a substantial barrier hindering progress, while "a minor inconvenience" describes a small, insignificant issue.