removed obstacles

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   Got rid of things that were blocking progress, or dealt with problems that were stopping something from happening.

   Grammar: Used as a complete verb phrase with its object; the subject is the person or thing that did the removing.

   Patterns

   • removed obstacles to something
   • removed obstacles for someone
   • removed the obstacles that blocked something

   The new manager removed obstacles that had slowed the project for months.

   Better roads removed obstacles to trade between the two towns.

   She removed obstacles in her own path by asking for help early.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   Things that were blocking a way or a process and have now been cleared away.

   Grammar: Here the phrase acts as a noun phrase with a passive or adjectival feel, often after 'have' or 'with'.

   Patterns

   • have removed obstacles
   • with the obstacles removed
   • the removed obstacles

   With the fallen trees removed, the road was open again.

   The committee reported that all removed obstacles had been documented.

   Once the removed obstacles were gone, the team worked much faster.

Common combinations

remove an obstacle to something

The agreement removed an obstacle to peace talks.

clear away obstacles

They cleared away obstacles that had delayed the building work.

overcome obstacles

She overcame many obstacles before starting her business.

put obstacles in someone's way

Bad rules put obstacles in the way of new companies.

a major obstacle

Cost was the major obstacle to finishing the bridge.

remove barriers

The law removed barriers that had kept women out of certain jobs.

Synonyms and how they differ

cleared

Focuses on making a place empty or tidy rather than on helping progress happen.

eliminated

Stronger and more formal; it suggests the problem is gone completely, not just moved aside.

got rid of

More informal and general; it can refer to anything unwanted, not only things blocking progress.

Opposites

Word family

obstacle noun

A thing that blocks movement or makes progress difficult.

obstruct verb

To block a path or stop something from happening.

obstruction noun

The act of blocking something, or the thing that blocks it.

unobstructed adjective

Not blocked; clear and open.

Commonly confused: removed obstacles or removed objections?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “removed obstacles”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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