a combination of setbacks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a combination of setbacks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where multiple difficulties or challenges have occurred together, impacting progress or success. Example: "The project faced a combination of setbacks, including budget cuts and staffing shortages, which delayed its completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Combo skin-A combination of either.

WikiHow

Miller and others figured the marijuana measure would provide a good alternative, but have grown frustrated by a series of setbacks — a combination of bureaucratic complications, turnover of tribal council members and insufficient seed money has left the roughly $3-million 3-million limbo.

Los Angeles Times

"One thing that I think is really going to limit our ability to see this technology proliferate is a societal acceptance on the definition of what is safe enough". Without a generally accepted definition of what constitutes a sufficiently safe driverless car, the industry could suffer from setbacks caused by a combination of public apprehension and news headlines.

The Washington Post

In the case of Brexit, a combination of trade and regulatory policy uncertainty means potential setbacks for companies in the United Kingdom.

The Washington Post

The scrapping of the drug is a big setback for Bristol-Myers in the heated race to develop a combination of pills to treat hepatitis C, a viral infection that can cause liver scarring and liver cancer.

The New York Times

Still, perhaps a combination of technology and recession, passion and politics will mean that after all these years and more setbacks than successes, what's left of a 70-acre site will find its place in history after all.

The New York Times

A combination of those.

The New York Times

A combination of the above?

Independent

A combination of both?

The Guardian

It's a combination of both.

The New York Times

"It will be a combination of things".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a combination of setbacks", clearly specify what those setbacks are to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example: "The project faced "a combination of setbacks", including funding cuts and unexpected technical challenges."

Common error

Avoid using "a combination of setbacks" without providing any specific examples. This can weaken your statement and leave the reader wondering what exactly went wrong.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a combination of setbacks" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence to describe a situation involving multiple adverse events. The Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

Wiki

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a combination of setbacks" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the impact of multiple adverse events. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although its frequency is currently limited in the provided dataset. While its usage spans various contexts, specifying the nature of the setbacks enhances clarity. Alternatives like "a series of difficulties" or "a confluence of challenges" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By avoiding overgeneralization and providing context, you can effectively use this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of difficulties

Focuses on the sequential nature of the problems encountered, rather than their combined effect.

a confluence of challenges

Emphasizes the convergence of various challenges happening simultaneously.

a convergence of issues

Similar to 'confluence of challenges', stressing the coming together of different problems.

multiple impediments

Highlights the hindering nature of several obstacles.

various obstacles

Focuses on different things standing in the way of progress.

accumulated adversities

Stresses the build-up of unfortunate events over time.

a host of problems

Highlights the multiplicity and variety of problems.

a multitude of hurdles

Emphasizes the number of obstacles to overcome.

unfortunate circumstances

Generalizes the situation as unfavorable without specifying the nature of the setbacks.

a string of failures

Conveys more negativity and finality than setbacks, suggesting complete lack of success.

FAQs

How can I use "a combination of setbacks" in a sentence?

You can use "a combination of setbacks" to describe a situation where multiple difficulties have occurred, impacting progress or success. For instance, "The company experienced "a combination of setbacks", including market volatility and supply chain disruptions."

What are some alternatives to "a combination of setbacks"?

Alternatives include "a series of difficulties", "a confluence of challenges", or "multiple impediments", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to list the setbacks individually instead of using "a combination of setbacks"?

Listing individual setbacks provides more detail and clarity, but using "a combination of setbacks" can be effective when you want to emphasize the overall impact of multiple issues without going into exhaustive detail. The best approach depends on the desired level of specificity.

What's the difference between "a combination of setbacks" and "a string of failures"?

"A combination of setbacks" suggests temporary impediments or difficulties that may be overcome, while "a string of failures" implies a more definitive and negative outcome, indicating repeated lack of success.