to surmount obstacles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to surmount obstacles" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing overcoming challenges or difficulties in various contexts, such as personal growth, business, or education. Example: "Despite facing numerous setbacks, she was determined to surmount obstacles and achieve her goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

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

Thanks to the community spirit of the doctoral candidates there is a great motivation to continue with the work and to surmount obstacles.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The two are accustomed to surmounting obstacles.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times - Sports

City Challenge Race, for example, is all about conquering the Concrete Jungle as you surmount obstacles in an urban setting.

Huffington Post

To complete the fairytale, Mr Blunkett would need to surmount formidable obstacles.

The Economist

Aren't million-dollar maestros hired precisely for their ability to surmount such obstacles?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to surmount obstacles", ensure it's followed by a clear indication of the specific obstacles being addressed. This provides context and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "to surmount obstacles" may sound overly formal or grandiose in everyday conversation. Consider more casual alternatives like "to overcome challenges" or "to get through tough times" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to surmount obstacles" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It explains the reason or goal behind an action, indicating the intention to overcome difficulties. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to surmount obstacles" is a grammatically sound and purposeful expression used to convey the intent to overcome significant challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and it appears most frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, suggesting a formal register. While effective, it's advisable to consider more casual alternatives in informal settings. The related phrases offer a variety of ways to express similar concepts, enhancing the writer's ability to choose the most appropriate tone. Overall, understanding the nuances of "to surmount obstacles" helps writers communicate determination and resilience with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to overcome challenges

Replaces "surmount" with "overcome", offering a more common and straightforward alternative.

to rise above difficulties

Uses a more figurative expression, implying a transcendence of problems.

to conquer adversity

Emphasizes a strong victory over unfavorable conditions.

to prevail over hardships

Highlights the ability to succeed despite tough circumstances.

to push through barriers

Focuses on the act of breaking through obstacles that impede progress.

to navigate complexities

Focuses on skillfully managing intricate or complicated situations.

to triumph over setbacks

Suggests winning after experiencing temporary failures or delays.

to weather the storm

Implies enduring and surviving a difficult period.

to break through limitations

Suggests going beyond imposed or self-imposed constraints.

to get through tough times

Offers a more casual way to express the ability to manage difficult situations.

FAQs

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

Use "to surmount obstacles" when you want to emphasize the act of overcoming significant challenges or difficulties in order to achieve a goal. For example, "Her determination allowed her "to surmount obstacles" and achieve success".

What are some alternatives to "to surmount obstacles"?

You can use alternatives like "to overcome challenges", "to rise above difficulties", or "to conquer adversity" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference in formality between "to surmount obstacles" and "to overcome challenges"?

"To surmount obstacles" tends to be more formal and emphasizes a grander scale of overcoming, while "to overcome challenges" is generally more versatile and can fit both formal and informal contexts.

When is it most appropriate to use "to surmount obstacles"?

It is most appropriate to use "to surmount obstacles" in formal writing, speeches, or when describing significant achievements that involved overcoming considerable hardships or difficulties. In everyday conversations, less formal alternatives might be more suitable.