a further setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a further setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an additional difficulty or obstacle that has occurred after previous challenges. Example: "The project faced a further setback when the main supplier went out of business, delaying our timeline significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the Surrey authority's decision is a further setback.

The Guardian

There was a further setback in 1961 when Williams left to go solo.

The Guardian - Music

In a further setback, Mr. Patrizzi suffered a stroke in the autumn.

The New York Times

It is a further setback for José Luis Rodr��guez Zapatero, Spain's unpopular prime minister.

The Economist

Peterborough suffered a further setback when Lee Frecklington was dismissed for a second booking 10 minutes before half-time.

The Guardian - Sport

In a further setback, Earls was taken off on a stretcher shortly afterwards, wearing a neck brace.

The Guardian - Sport

The discovery, announced by the country's nuclear regulator on Monday, is a further setback to efforts to contain the crisis.

The New York Times

Russia was dealt a further setback Thursday with the news that Maria Sharapova, the world's third-ranked tennis player, would miss the Olympics because of a shoulder injury.

The New York Times - Sports

The AAR group, which is led by oligarch Mikhail Fridman, knows that Dudley does not need a further setback at this time.

The Guardian - Business

He became involved with the Worldwide Church of God, a Californian sect, and this led to a further setback, despite impressive results.

The Guardian

The investigation is a further setback for the FTSE 100 giant, whose bet on the $12bn Oyu Tolgoi project is coming under increasing scrutiny by shareholders.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a further setback", ensure it logically follows a previous problem or difficulty to maintain coherence in your writing. Avoid using it in isolation without establishing prior context.

Common error

Avoid starting a narrative or explanation with "a further setback" without first establishing the initial setback or challenge. Provide context to make the statement meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a further setback" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies an additional negative event or obstacle that impedes progress. Ludwig AI examples show it often follows a previously mentioned issue.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Sport

15%

Business

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a further setback" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote an additional obstacle or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts, particularly in news, sports, and business reporting. While semantically similar alternatives exist, such as "another impediment" or "a renewed difficulty", the specific choice depends on the desired nuance. When employing this phrase, ensure that it logically follows a previous challenge to maintain clarity and coherence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

another impediment

Replaces "setback" with "impediment", highlighting the hindering aspect.

an additional hurdle

Substitutes "setback" with "hurdle", emphasizing the challenge aspect.

a new complication

Replaces "setback" with "complication", focusing on the complexity introduced.

a renewed difficulty

Replaces "further setback" with "renewed difficulty", suggesting a resurgence of problems.

a fresh challenge

Substitutes "setback" with "challenge", framing the situation as a new test.

an added disadvantage

Replaces "setback" with "disadvantage", highlighting the unfavorable position.

an unexpected problem

Replaces "setback" with "problem", emphasizing the unforeseen nature.

a subsequent blow

Substitutes "setback" with "blow", underscoring the negative impact.

a worsening situation

Focuses on the overall deterioration as a result of the setback.

a negative development

Replaces "setback" with "development", adopting a more neutral tone while still conveying the adverse effect.

FAQs

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

You can use "a further setback" to describe an additional difficulty or obstacle after a previous challenge. For example, "The project faced "a further setback" when the main supplier went out of business.".

What are some alternatives to saying "a further setback"?

Alternatives include "another impediment", "an additional hurdle", or "a new complication", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a further setback" is suitable for formal writing, as it is grammatically correct and widely understood. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What's the difference between "a setback" and "a further setback"?

"A setback" refers to an initial obstacle or difficulty. "A further setback" indicates an additional problem that occurs after a previous one, compounding the challenges.