I was set back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was set back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where you experienced a delay or a hindrance in progress due to unforeseen circumstances. Example: "I was set back by the unexpected storm, which delayed my travel plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"I was doing all right and then I was set back by a few injuries.

The New York Times - Sports

I was set back on my heels and I had to take a good bit of time before I could formulate a proper response.

Huffington Post

When all was said and done, I was set back over $300, but I gave nary a care, because I'm an actual crazy person.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I'm set back.

Huffington Post

The phone buzzes some more as the alerts roll in as I coast past the mall – it's set back from the road, and I'm passing it, not driving to it.

TechCrunch

Obviously he was set back with the foot injury.

The New York Times

Their house was set back a little from the highway.

The Guardian

My timer was set back to zero," he said.

The New York Times

The opening was set back again in March when a ceiling collapsed in the arrivals area.

The Economist

The restaurant was set back from a side street, in a drab, two-story structure.

The New York Times - Travel

The house was set back from the street, behind heavy foliage.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was set back", ensure the context clearly indicates what caused the setback. Specify the reason for the delay or hindrance for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "I was set back" without providing context. Readers may not understand what area you experienced the setback in, leading to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was set back" functions as a passive construction indicating that the subject experienced a delay or hindrance due to some external factor. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable expression in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was set back" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to express that you have experienced a delay or hindrance, as Ludwig AI confirms. While its frequency is relatively low, it is predominantly found in news and media contexts. For clearer communication, specify the cause of the setback. Alternatives include "I experienced a setback" and "I was delayed". It is important to provide sufficient context to prevent ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I experienced a setback

Replaces the verb "was set back" with the noun "setback" and the verb "experienced", offering a more direct phrasing of the same concept.

I suffered a delay

Focuses specifically on the delay aspect of being set back, suitable when the primary impact is a time-related postponement.

I was delayed

A more concise way of expressing that progress was hindered, removing the figurative element.

I faced a hindrance

Emphasizes the obstacle encountered, rather than the resulting delay.

I encountered an impediment

A more formal way of saying a hindrance, suitable for professional or academic contexts.

My progress was impeded

Shifts the focus to the progress itself being affected, rather than the person experiencing it.

I was thrown off course

Implies a deviation from the intended path or plan, adding a sense of disorientation.

I regressed

Suggests a movement backward from a previous state, rather than simply being delayed.

I lost ground

Indicates a loss of advantage or progress relative to others or a previous position.

I took a hit

Implies a negative impact or blow, often in a figurative sense, affecting progress or status.

FAQs

How can I use "I was set back" in a sentence?

You can use "I was set back" to describe a situation where you experienced a delay or hindrance in progress due to unforeseen circumstances. For example, "I was set back by a few injuries".

What can I say instead of "I was set back"?

You can use alternatives like "I experienced a setback", "I suffered a delay", or "I was delayed" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I am set back"?

Yes, "I am set back" is grammatically correct, but it is less common than "I was set back", which implies a past event that caused the delay. "I am set back" suggests a current state of being delayed.

What is the difference between "I was set back" and "I had a setback"?

The phrase "I was set back" uses the verb "set back" in the passive voice, while "I had a setback" uses the noun "setback". Both convey the same meaning, but the latter is more direct.