What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
occluding
Example
The dentist used a dental dam to occlude the patient's tooth. [occlude: verb]
Example
The clouds were occluding the sun, making it difficult to see. [occluding: present participle]
obstruct
Example
The construction on the road obstructed traffic for hours. [obstructed: past tense]
Example
The tree branches were obstructing the view of the mountains. [obstructing: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Obstruct is more commonly used than occluding in everyday language. Obstruct is a more general term that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while occluding is more specific and often used in technical or specialized fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between occluding and obstruct?
Both occluding and obstruct are formal words that are appropriate for use in academic or professional writing. However, obstruct is more versatile and can also be used in informal contexts.
