Practice
Useful English words beginning with O
Sign in to saveThe path is clear apart from one obstacle. That word names something that gets in the way. Words beginning with O can help you describe problems, work, plans, and results.
Recognize and use useful B1 words beginning with O by choosing the word that matches its meaning and sentence context.
Read and practice
Read the examples and try the written questions in this guide. Listening recordings are not available for this lesson yet.
Try the written questions
The outcome was obvious. /ði ˈaʊtkʌm wəz ˈɒbviəs/
The short answer
Use the context to choose the O word. An obstacle is a problem in the way, observe means watch carefully, obtain means get, and an outcome is a result.
An obstacle on the road delayed the bus.
Why it works: Obstacle is a noun for something that prevents easy progress.
4 more examples
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Please observe the sign at the entrance.
Observe is a verb. Here it means to notice or follow what the sign says.
Not this:Please
lookat the sign before you enter. What changes: Look is more general. Observe can sound more careful or more formal in rules and instructions. -
She obtained permission before changing the plan.
Obtained is the past form of obtain. It means that she got permission.
Not this:She
askedfor permission before changing the plan. What changes: Ask for describes the request. Obtain describes successfully getting what was requested. -
The answer was obvious after we checked the dates.
Obvious is an adjective. It describes an answer that is easy to see or understand.
Not this:The answer was
uncertainuntil we checked the dates. What changes: Uncertain means not known or not clear, which is the opposite idea here. -
Her occupation involves organizing local events.
Occupation is a noun for a person's regular work. It is more formal than job in many everyday conversations.
Not this:She has a
jobat an events company. What changes: Job is the more common everyday word for work that a person does.
Read the full guide
Do not choose a word only because it begins with O. Check whether the sentence needs a thing, an action, a description, or a result. Then look at the words around the gap for grammar clues.
Use obstacle for something in the way
An obstacle is something that stops progress or makes it difficult. It can be an object, a rule, a shortage of money, or another problem. Use it as a noun after an article or before a verb.
The missing document was an obstacle to finishing the application.
The document problem makes progress difficult, so obstacle fits. A delay may happen because of an obstacle, but the two words do not mean the same thing.
Which O word names a problem that prevents progress?
Use obstacle: Lack of transport was an obstacle for some visitors.
Use observe for careful attention
Observe is a verb. It can mean watch carefully, especially when you are studying something. It can also mean follow a rule, custom, or instruction. The noun form is observation.
The students observed the birds from a quiet distance.
They watched carefully, so observed works. Notice usually means becoming aware of something, often for a shorter moment.
Which word can mean follow a safety rule?
Use observe: All visitors must observe the safety rules.
Use obtain when you get something
Obtain means get or receive. It is common when the thing takes effort, permission, or an official process. In informal speech, people often choose get instead.
You can obtain a permit from the local office.
Obtain sounds suitable because a permit comes through a formal process. Get is possible in ordinary conversation, but it is less formal.
Which verb fits a sentence about getting a certificate after an application?
Use obtain: Applicants can obtain a certificate after the review.
Use obvious to describe something clear
Obvious is an adjective for something easy to understand, see, or recognize. It often comes after be. You can also put it before a noun, such as an obvious answer or an obvious error.
It became obvious that the train would be late.
The reason is clear from the situation, so obvious fits. If the information is incomplete, it may be uncertain instead.
Which adjective means easy to understand?
Use obvious: The spelling error was obvious on the screen.
Talk about work, events, and results
Occupation names a person's regular job or profession. An occasion is a particular event or time, often a special one. An offer is a proposal to give, sell, or do something. Outcome names the result at the end.
The offer was valid for one week.
An offer is a proposal. An occasion is an event or time, so use it when you mean a particular moment rather than a proposal.
The outcome of the discussion was a new meeting date.
Outcome tells us the final result. The discussion is the event that produced that result.
Which O word means the result of an event or decision?
Use outcome: We will discuss the outcome after the interview.
Before you go
Remember this
Use obstacle for something in the way, observe for careful watching or following a rule, and obtain for getting something. Use obvious to describe something clear, occupation for regular work, and outcome for a final result.
Practice with the written examples
You can practice with the written questions in the Learn tab. Each answer includes an explanation.
Try the written questionsListening test not available yet
This lesson does not have the recordings needed for a listening test. Use the written questions in the guide to check your understanding.
Try the written questionsQuestions about "Useful English words beginning with O"
What does obstacle mean?
An obstacle is something that blocks progress or makes an action difficult. It can be physical, such as a closed gate, or a situation, such as missing information. Use obstacle as a countable noun: an obstacle, two obstacles, or the obstacle.
An obstacle on the road delayed the bus.
What is the difference between observe and look?
Look is a general verb for directing your eyes somewhere. Observe often means watch carefully, especially to study something, and it can also mean follow a rule or instruction. The right choice depends on whether careful attention or formal wording matters.
The driver found another route around the blocked road.
When should I use obtain instead of get?
Obtain means get or receive, and it is common in formal contexts such as applications, notices, and reports. Get is more common in everyday conversation. Use obtain when the sentence describes receiving something through effort or a process.
Please observe the sign at the entrance.
How do I use obvious in a sentence?
Obvious is an adjective for something clear or easy to understand. Put it after be, as in The answer was obvious after we checked the dates. You can also use it before a noun, as in an obvious mistake.
Please look at the sign before you enter.
What is the difference between occupation and outcome?
Occupation means a person's regular job or profession. Outcome means the final result of an event, action, or decision. Their similar spelling can be confusing, so use the surrounding nouns and verbs to check which meaning the sentence needs.
She obtained permission before changing the plan.