Cool MateObstacle vs The company has a problem
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Obstacle
Top 2,000 (common)B2noun
The company has a problem
Top 2,000 (common)
| Obstacle | The company has a problem | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈɒbstəkl//🇺🇸 //ˈɑbstəkl// | 🇬🇧 //ðə ˈkʌmpəni hæz ə ˈprɒbləm//🇺🇸 //ðə ˈkʌmpəni hæz ə ˈprɑːbləm// |
| Meaning | Something that makes it difficult to do something. | The company is facing an issue. |
| Example | He faced many obstacles during his journey to success. | The company has a problem with its supply chain. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | face an obstacle, overcome an obstacle, see an obstacle | solve a problem, identify a problem, address a problem, face a problem, report a problem |
| Antonyms | advantage, help, facilitator | - |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'obstacle course' which is a specific kind of challenge., Using 'obstacles' when discussing non-physical challenges like fears or emotions., Mixing it up with 'obstruction', which often has legal connotations. | Forget that 'problem' implies a negative situation., Use 'the company have' instead of 'the company has'. |
| Usage notes | Used in contexts where something hinders progress or achievement. Typically neutral; avoid in overly casual contexts. | Use this phrase in business contexts to identify a challenge or issue. Avoid in casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Obstacle vs The company has a problem
What's the difference between Obstacle and The company has a problem?
Obstacle: Something that makes it difficult to do something. The company has a problem: The company is facing an issue.
Can you show an example of each?
Obstacle: He faced many obstacles during his journey to success. The company has a problem: The company has a problem with its supply chain.
Can I use Obstacle and The company has a problem interchangeably?
Not always. Obstacle and The company has a problem are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.