try to obstruct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to obstruct" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing efforts to hinder or prevent something from happening. Example: "The committee members were accused of trying to obstruct the progress of the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

It is believed that Republicans will not try to obstruct his nomination a second time.

The New York Times

Republicans in Florida should not try to obstruct or delay the hand recount.

The New York Times

He will still cheat, and he will certainly try to obstruct the outsiders' view of his skulduggery.

The Economist

He dared them to follow his lead in confronting America's problems, rather than try to obstruct him.

The Guardian - Opinion

There can also be no doubt that some will try to obstruct this commitment to the rule of law.

The Guardian

"This suspension would make it quite clear to those who are against reform that, should they try to obstruct the way of the reformers, then sanctions could come back".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

The league accuses Rodriguez of using performance-enhancing drugs and trying to obstruct its investigation.

The New York Times - Sports

The department also said Sheriff Johnson tried to obstruct the investigation by withholding documents and falsifying records.

The New York Times

Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr got permission to investigate whether Clinton was trying to obstruct the lawsuit.

The Guardian

And did he think that Trump was trying to obstruct justice?

The New Yorker

There will also be harsher laws designed to prevent executives trying to obstruct justice, such as shredding important documents.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "try to obstruct", ensure the context clearly indicates the method and target of the obstruction. For example, "try to obstruct the investigation" is more specific than simply "try to obstruct".

Common error

While "try to obstruct" is generally acceptable, it can sound somewhat informal in highly professional or academic writing. Consider using stronger, more precise verbs like "impede", "thwart", or "hinder" for greater impact and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to obstruct" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action or attempt to prevent something from proceeding or succeeding. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, such as obstructing investigations or reforms.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Wiki

12%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try to obstruct" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that conveys an attempt to hinder or prevent something. Ludwig confirms its correctness and identifies it as common in News & Media and Wiki contexts. While generally neutral in register, consider using more formal alternatives like "impede" or "thwart" in academic or professional settings. By understanding its nuances and appropriate usage, writers can effectively communicate the concept of obstruction in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to impede

Replaces "try" with "attempt" and "obstruct" with "impede", resulting in a slightly more formal tone.

aim to hinder

Similar in meaning, but replaces "obstruct" with "hinder", suggesting a slowing down rather than a complete blockage.

seek to thwart

Uses more forceful vocabulary, implying a deliberate and active effort to prevent success.

endeavor to impede

More formal and emphasizes the effort being made to prevent progress.

make an effort to block

More descriptive, specifying the act of "blocking" as the method of obstruction.

work to sabotage

Suggests a more malicious intent, implying deliberate damage or disruption.

take steps to stonewall

Implies creating delays or diversions to prevent progress, often in a political context.

try to stall

Focuses on delaying tactics, rather than complete obstruction.

try to interfere with

Broader term indicating any kind of intervention that disrupts a process.

try to counteract

Suggests an attempt to neutralize or reverse an action or effect.

FAQs

What does "try to obstruct" mean?

The phrase "try to obstruct" means to attempt to prevent something from happening or to hinder its progress. It suggests an effort to block or impede an action, process, or investigation.

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

You can use alternatives like "attempt to impede", "seek to thwart", or "aim to hinder" depending on the desired level of formality and specific nuance.

Is it correct to say "tried to obstruct"?

Yes, "tried to obstruct" is the past tense form of the phrase and is grammatically correct. It indicates that someone made an attempt to prevent or hinder something in the past.

What's the difference between "try to obstruct" and "try to prevent"?

While both phrases suggest an attempt to stop something, "try to prevent" implies stopping something before it starts, whereas "try to obstruct" suggests hindering or blocking something already in progress.