to obstruct something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to obstruct something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an action that prevents or hinders something from occurring or progressing. Example: "The fallen tree was enough to obstruct the road, causing a significant traffic delay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A group of lawmakers led by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore). had hoped to re-institute the talking filibuster, in which a lawmaker who wanted to obstruct something would have to take to the floor to sustain an objection instead of literally phoning it in.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

(Do not hold a delicate collapsible lens such as on a point-and-shoot, or obstruct something the camera will try to move on its own such as a focusing ring, or obstruct the view from the front of the lens).

WikiHow

This huge amount of money creates a huge amount of incentive to engage in all kinds of scams, diversions, obfuscations, extortions and demands as well as outright paying for certain members of Congress to obstruct efforts to do something about this.

Huffington Post

As one person said, Lebanon raised its arm to allow consensus to pass instead of bowing before pressures to reject any condemnation of Damascus, or to obstruct the presidential statement, something that would most likely have led to a resolution being issued by the UNSC.

HuffPost

Charged with obstruction of justice and conspiracy to obstruct justice.

The Guardian

Progressive protesters have gathered outside his offices in Washington and New York in recent weeks, demanding he muster something that resembles to the scorched-earth opposition Republicans led to obstruct former President Barack Obama.

HuffPost

Prosecutors were focused on building cases against a handful of deputies for beating inmates, but Fox suspected something larger was at play: a conspiracy by sheriff's officials to obstruct the federal probe.

Los Angeles Times

Junk shots, something BP tried in late May 2010, involve injecting golf balls, shredded tires and other material to obstruct the flow of oil.

Huffington Post

Conspiracy to obstruct justice.

The New York Times

Too incompetent to obstruct.

The Washington Post

There was nothing to obstruct.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to obstruct something", ensure the object of the obstruction is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "to obstruct the investigation" is clearer than "to obstruct something."

Common error

Avoid using "to obstruct something" in overly passive constructions. Active voice often provides more direct and impactful communication. Instead of "progress was obstructed by something", try "something obstructed progress."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to obstruct something" functions as an infinitive verb phrase, where "obstruct" is the main verb and "something" serves as its direct object. It indicates the act of preventing or hindering something from proceeding or being accomplished. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

14%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to obstruct something" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, albeit relatively rare in occurrence. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it describes an action that prevents or hinders something from occurring or progressing. While applicable across various registers, it frequently appears in News & Media and general discussions. When using the phrase, clarity is crucial; ensure the object being obstructed is clearly defined. Related phrases include "to impede something" and "to hinder something", offering nuanced alternatives based on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to impede something

Replaces "obstruct" with "impede", suggesting a slower or more gradual hindrance.

to hinder something

Substitutes "obstruct" with "hinder", implying a less forceful form of obstruction.

to block something

Replaces "obstruct" with "block", suggesting a complete prevention of passage or progress.

to hamper something

Substitutes "obstruct" with "hamper", implying a difficulty or burden that slows progress.

to thwart something

Substitutes "obstruct" with "thwart", implying a deliberate attempt to prevent something from happening.

to frustrate something

Replaces "obstruct" with "frustrate", suggesting the prevention of achieving a desired outcome.

to stall something

Replaces "obstruct" with "stall", suggesting a delaying tactic.

to inhibit something

Substitutes "obstruct" with "inhibit", suggesting a restraint or suppression of something's natural course.

to sabotage something

Substitutes "obstruct" with "sabotage", implying a malicious intent to disrupt or destroy.

to derail something

Replaces "obstruct" with "derail", suggesting a sudden and disruptive halt to progress.

FAQs

What does "to obstruct something" mean?

The phrase "to obstruct something" means to prevent or impede the progress or completion of something. It implies creating a barrier or difficulty that hinders its intended course.

What can I say instead of "to obstruct something"?

You can use alternatives like "to impede something", "to hinder something", or "to block something" depending on the context.

How can I use "to obstruct something" in a sentence?

You can use "to obstruct something" in a sentence like, "The fallen tree was enough to obstruct the road, causing a significant traffic delay", or, "His lack of cooperation was seen as an attempt to obstruct the investigation".

What is the difference between "to obstruct something" and "to impede something"?

"To obstruct something" implies a more forceful or complete blockage, while "to impede something" suggests a slower or more gradual hindrance. The choice depends on the degree of interference you want to convey.