a brief setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brief setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a temporary obstacle or difficulty that interrupts progress or success. Example: "Despite experiencing a brief setback in our project timeline, we were able to regroup and continue moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Paion suffered a brief setback last year after it was told to stop enrolling patients because of potential safety problems.

The New York Times

A brief setback came with the end of the Egyptian occupation; by 1848, however, the town had begun to outgrow its walls, and its population had increased to about 15,000.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Whether Tuesday's attacks prove to be a brief setback, or the start of a new cycle of attacks and counter-attacks that blows apart the truce, will to a great extent depend on how Israel now responds.

The Economist

Here's aggregate labor productivity from Eurostat: Maybe Latvia just had an impressive productivity trend, owing to its particular position in the European system, and simply returned to that trend after a brief setback.

The New York Times

In the Clinton White House, after a brief setback — he was demoted after clashing with Hillary Clinton Emanuelel rose to become a top adviser to Bill Clinton, securing for himself the small but coveted office next to the President's private study, the office that Axelrod now occupies.

The New Yorker

Yet after a brief setback when the market swooned, those companies were recharged by residential real estate and spread-lending activity.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Perhaps the setback is just a blip, a brief reversal in the upward path of one of the world's rising powers.

The New York Times - Magazine

Murray recovered from his brief setback to break back in the seventh game and it was the turn of the travelling 1,000 – led by the Sterling University fans, as ever – to raise the roof.

The Guardian - Sport

The setback was a brief one for the AKP, however.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In a brief email interview today, Kalanick said that this setback is mainly going to limit choice for consumers in NYC, but doesn't really represent a major blow to the startup's overall business.

TechCrunch

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico is opposed to a U.S. request to make people seeking asylum in the United States apply in Mexico instead, according to a source and a briefing note, in a setback to U.S. efforts to deepen cooperation on immigration before a leftist president takes office.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a brief setback", ensure the context clearly indicates the nature and expected duration of the setback. This helps manage expectations and maintain a positive outlook.

Common error

Avoid using "a brief setback" to describe significant or long-lasting issues. Overstating the brevity can undermine credibility and misrepresent the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief setback" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a temporary interruption or obstacle in progress. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brief setback" is a noun phrase used to describe a temporary obstacle or delay. It is grammatically correct and generally suitable for various contexts, as verified by Ludwig. While versatile, ensure the context aligns with the phrase's implication of a short-term issue. Consider alternatives like "a minor delay" or "a temporary hurdle" depending on your desired emphasis. While commonly found in news and media sources, avoid overstating the brevity of the issue to maintain credibility. Remember, effective communication lies in accurately representing the situation while maintaining a positive outlook.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a temporary hurdle

Focuses on the obstacle aspect, emphasizing its temporary nature.

a minor delay

Highlights the aspect of time, indicating a short postponement.

a short-term problem

Emphasizes the problematic nature and its limited duration.

a slight difficulty

Underscores the ease with which the issue can be addressed.

a momentary hitch

Suggests a brief interruption in progress.

a passing disruption

Highlights the transient nature of the disturbance.

a small hiccup

An informal way to describe a minor and temporary issue.

a temporary reverse

Highlights a temporary move in the opposite direction.

a minor impediment

Emphasizes the hindering aspect while being easily overcome.

a fleeting obstacle

Highlights both the challenge aspect and its short duration.

FAQs

How can I use "a brief setback" in a sentence?

You can use "a brief setback" to describe a temporary obstacle or delay. For example, "Despite a brief setback, the project is still on track".

What's the difference between "a brief setback" and "a major setback"?

"A brief setback" indicates a minor, temporary issue, while "a major setback" suggests a significant and potentially long-lasting problem.

What are some alternatives to "a brief setback"?

Alternatives include "a minor delay", "a temporary hurdle", or "a short-term problem", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a brief setback" in formal writing?

Yes, "a brief setback" is suitable for formal writing. However, consider the audience and context; a more precise or formal term might be preferable in certain situations.