a huge setback to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a huge setback to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an obstacle or difficulty that hinders progress or success in a particular situation. Example: "The unexpected loss of funding was a huge setback to the project's timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

That would obviously be a huge setback to gay couples and their families.

The New York Times

In Abidjan, a United Nations official called the outbreak "a huge setback" to efforts at reconciliation.

The New York Times

That would be a huge setback to this once fast-growing industry.

The New York Times

That would be a huge setback to India's plans to expand its nuclear power generation and its economy.

The New York Times

The release of the man they fought so hard to overthrow is perceived as a huge setback to the uprising.

The Guardian

Instead, Israel's storming of a Turkish-flagged vessel in international waters was a huge setback to efforts to win new sanctions on Iran.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

I'm just not convinced that the companies that have done so well over the last year and are forecasting more growth are facing a huge setback due to forces that are hard to see clearly on the horizon.

Huffington Post

Despite the huge setback to their hopes of retaining the title, Kompany said it was important for City to get back on to the winning trail.

BBC

Wales were humiliated in Serbia as they slipped to their heaviest defeat since 1996 and suffered a huge setback in their bid to reach the 2014 World Cup.

BBC

A US withdrawal would allow other countries to back out of the deal too, which would pose a huge setback as the world attempts to peak greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible.

Vice

The coalition's five years in power have amounted to "a huge setback for the health of the public", they claim.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a huge setback to" when you want to emphasize the significant negative impact on a goal, plan, or process. Be specific about what is being affected to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a huge setback to" for minor inconveniences or temporary delays. Reserve it for situations where the negative impact is substantial and long-lasting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a huge setback to" functions as a noun phrase functioning as a predicative complement. It describes a situation, event, or action that significantly hinders or reverses progress towards a specific goal or objective. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a huge setback to" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a significant negative impact on progress or goals. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, it's crucial to ensure that its usage aligns with the actual severity of the situation, avoiding overstatement. Remember to use "a huge setback to" when you want to emphasize the substantial nature of the impediment, providing clarity on what is being affected. Alternatives such as "a significant impediment to" or "a considerable blow to" can be used to add nuance depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable blow to

Indicates a negative impact, suggesting damage or harm done.

a crushing blow for

Indicates the devastating and overwhelming impact.

a significant impediment to

Emphasizes the hindering aspect, focusing on the obstacle created.

a critical hindrance to

Stresses the severity of the obstacle and its potential to stop progress.

a severe impediment for

Highlights the intensity and difficulty caused by the obstacle.

a major obstruction to

Highlights the blockage or barrier effect on progress.

a substantial reverse for

Focuses on the backward movement or regression caused.

a damaging reversal of

Focuses on the harmful aspect of going back on previous progress.

a grave disadvantage for

Highlights the unfavorable position resulting from the event.

a momentous disruption to

Emphasizes the disturbance and disorder caused.

FAQs

How can I use "a huge setback to" in a sentence?

Use "a huge setback to" to describe a significant negative event that hinders progress or success, such as, "The funding cut was a huge setback to the research project."

What are some alternatives to "a huge setback to"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant impediment to", "a major obstruction to", or "a considerable blow to" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a huge setback for" or "a huge setback to"?

Both "a huge setback for" and "a huge setback to" are correct, but they imply slightly different relationships. "A huge setback for" emphasizes who or what is negatively affected, while "a huge setback to" emphasizes what goal or progress is hindered.

What's the difference between "a setback" and "a huge setback to"?

"A setback" generally refers to any obstacle or delay. Adding "huge" emphasizes the significant and substantial nature of the impediment and its impact on progress.