the only obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the only obstacle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a singular barrier or challenge that is preventing progress or success in a particular situation. Example: "The only obstacle standing in our way is the lack of funding for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

That's the only obstacle.

The New York Times - Sports

Fishermen are not the only obstacle.

The Economist

Public opinion isn't the only obstacle.

The New Yorker

But that wasn't the only obstacle.

The New York Times

Is that the only obstacle, though?

The Economist

There, the only obstacle is a skylight.

The Guardian

But cost is not the only obstacle.

The New Yorker

That is not the only obstacle Mitchell will face.

The Guardian

But cellphones are not the only obstacle to classroom learning.

The New York Times

The bum is not the only obstacle, though.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

GETTING IN The only obstacle is finding the unmarked door.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "the only obstacle" with a specific explanation of what makes it so and how it affects the situation.

Common error

Avoid presenting multiple challenges as "the only obstacle". This dilutes the significance of the actual primary impediment and can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the only obstacle" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. According to Ludwig, it correctly identifies a single, unique impediment. It pinpoints the sole barrier preventing progress or achievement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "the only obstacle" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to identify a singular barrier or impediment. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's used across varied contexts, including news, science, and business, with a neutral tone. Related phrases like "the sole impediment" or "the singular barrier" can provide alternative phrasing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and accuracy in pinpointing the one true hindrance, avoiding the common error of misrepresenting multiple issues as one. Overall, the phrase is a valuable tool for clear and focused communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the sole impediment

Replaces 'obstacle' with 'impediment', emphasizing a hindering effect that is the only one present.

the singular barrier

Uses 'barrier' instead of 'obstacle', stressing the idea of a boundary that is the only one.

the only challenge

Substitutes 'obstacle' with 'challenge', focusing on a difficult task or problem that is the only one.

the one hurdle

Employs 'hurdle' to convey an obstacle that must be overcome, specifying that it's the single one.

the main stumbling block

Highlights a 'stumbling block', emphasizing a primary difficulty that prevents progress and is the only one.

the single deterrent

Uses 'deterrent' to describe something that discourages or prevents action, stressing that it's the only one.

the only stumbling block

Highlights a 'stumbling block', emphasizing a primary difficulty that prevents progress.

the last remaining problem

Shifts the focus to a problem that is the last one left to resolve.

the one major issue

Focuses on an 'issue' that is the primary and only significant concern.

the single snag

Replaces 'obstacle' with 'snag', suggesting a small or unexpected difficulty that is the only one.

FAQs

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

You can use "the only obstacle" to identify a single barrier preventing progress. For example, "The lack of funding is "the only obstacle" to completing the project".

What are some alternatives to "the only obstacle"?

Alternatives include "the sole impediment", "the singular barrier", or "the only challenge". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "the only obstacles" instead of "the only obstacle"?

Using "the only obstacles" implies there are multiple barriers, whereas "the only obstacle" refers to a single one. Choose the phrasing that accurately reflects the situation.

What's the difference between "the main obstacle" and "the only obstacle"?

"The main obstacle" suggests there are other obstacles, but this one is the most significant. "The only obstacle", in contrast, states that there are no other impediments.