was obstructed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was obstructed by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is hindered or blocked by an external factor. Example: "The construction project was obstructed by unexpected weather conditions, causing delays in the timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Canopies were classified as low canopy cover, when 10 39 % of the sky was obstructed by tree canopies, middle canopy cover with 40 69 % obstruction of the sky and high canopy cover, where 70 100%% of the sky was obstructed by tree canopies.

Forest Ecosystems

The view was obstructed by stands erected for parade watchers.

The New York Times

A similar proposal in the European parliament was obstructed by British MEPs.

The Guardian - Opinion

His answer is simple: he tried, but was obstructed by special interests operating on Capitol Hill.

The Economist

He put in a little grubber kick close to the try line and was obstructed by Nathan Grey.

The Guardian - Sport

Fitzgerald has said he could not make such a determination because his inquiry was obstructed by Libby's deceptions.

The Washington Post

Emergency services were called, but reports indicate that the ambulance's arrival was obstructed by a car belonging to traffic police.

Independent

Thurston landed the conversion and then added a penalty when he was obstructed by Gareth Ellis to put his side 14-10 ahead.

The Guardian - Sport

During the team's first attempt on Thursday morning, Felix was obstructed by a Brazilian rival on the second handover and fumbled her baton exchange to English Gardner.

The Guardian - Sport

For many, the view was obstructed by trees, distance or glaring sun, and the sound mingled with the noise of the city.

The New York Times - Arts

Other officers at a gate on Pennsylvania Avenue failed to see Gonzalez because their view was obstructed by a construction project.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary. While "was obstructed by" is correct, using synonyms like "was hindered by" or "was impeded by" can add nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid vague or ambiguous references to the cause of obstruction. Be specific about what is causing the obstruction to maintain clarity and avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was obstructed by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject experienced a blockage or hindrance caused by something else. Ludwig confirms this usage as grammatically correct and frequently employed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

29%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was obstructed by" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe hindrance or blockage across diverse contexts. As Ludwig confirms, it is correct and very frequently used. While it appears most often in news and scientific sources, it can function effectively in neutral and formal registers. Remember to vary your phrasing with synonyms like "was blocked by" or "was hindered by" to add nuance. Finally, ensure clarity by specifically identifying the cause of the obstruction. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and effectively use "was obstructed by" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was blocked by

Direct synonym indicating a physical or metaphorical barrier.

was hindered by

Implies a slowing down or making progress difficult.

was impeded by

Suggests a more formal or significant obstruction.

was hampered by

Similar to hindered, but often refers to limitations or restrictions.

was prevented by

Indicates that something was stopped from happening.

was curtailed by

Suggests a reduction or limitation due to an obstacle.

was thwarted by

Emphasizes a deliberate attempt to prevent success.

was bottlenecked by

Specifically indicates a point of congestion or blockage.

was disrupted by

Implies an interruption or disturbance.

was interfered with by

Suggests an external force actively hindering progress.

FAQs

How can I use "was obstructed by" in a sentence?

Use "was obstructed by" to indicate that something was blocked or hindered by something else. For example, "The view "was obstructed by trees"" or "The investigation "was obstructed by lies"".

What are some alternatives to "was obstructed by"?

You can use alternatives like "was blocked by", "was hindered by", or "was impeded by" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "was obstructed by" or "was blocked by"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "Was obstructed by" might suggest a less complete blockage than "was blocked by", but the difference is often subtle.

Can "was obstructed by" be used in both literal and figurative contexts?

Yes, "was obstructed by" can be used in both literal contexts (e.g., "The road was obstructed by debris") and figurative contexts (e.g., "The negotiation was obstructed by disagreements").