a large setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a large setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant obstacle or difficulty that hinders progress in a project or situation. Example: "The unexpected loss of funding was a large setback for the research team, delaying their project by several months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The ruling Democratic Progressive Party suffered a large setback in Taiwan's local elections on November 24 , 2018 with voters delivering a sharp rebuke to President Tsai Ing-wen.

Stanford University

And the voting was a large setback for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which emerged as a national force in the early 1990s.

The New York Times

Failure to close the HD Supply deal would be a large setback for the home improvement retailer.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The law was finally repealed a year later, a small piece of progress in the shadow of a larger setback �� the Trump administration's rescindment of federal rules allowing transgender people to use bathrooms consistent with their gender identity.

Huffington Post

Still, in career terms her illness was, as she puts it, a "rather large setback".

Science Magazine

Interactions show that STC is higher in expensive and highly-educated areas that have residential streets or streets with large setback (sidewalk).

Landscape and Urban Planning

In January 1983, with President Ronald Reagan reeling from his large setback in the midterm elections the previous November, the unemployment rate fell to 10.4 percent from 10.8 percent.

The New York Times

The collapse is also a big setback for Deutsche Bank, Europe's largest bank.

The New York Times

Two ten-storey two-dimensional plane frames with two and four large setbacks in the upper floors respectively, as well as a third one, regular in elevation, have been designed to the provisions of the 2004 Eurocode 8 (EC8) for the high (DCH) and medium (DCM) ductility classes, and the same peak ground acceleration (PGA) and material characteristics.

Engineering Structures

It is certainly the case that any complex system will, by definition, suffer large setbacks during its evolution.

The Guardian - Books

Although building code now requires large setbacks from the water, Puerto Rican authorities allowed developers to build the new hotel in the footprint of the demolished one so that every room is directly on the beach.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a large setback", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being set back and what the implications are. Providing specific details will enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a large setback" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations where the impact is genuinely substantial and detrimental to overall progress or goals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a large setback" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a verb, describing a significant negative event or obstacle. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a large setback" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe a significant obstacle or difficulty that hinders progress. While Ludwig examples show it's not the most frequent expression, its appropriate use adds clarity and emphasis. The phrase is versatile enough for news, academic, and even some formal business contexts. Consider related phrases like "a significant impediment" or "a major obstacle" for similar meanings. Remember to reserve it for situations where the impact is truly substantial to avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant impediment

Replaces "setback" with a more general term for obstacle.

a major obstacle

Emphasizes the obstructive nature of the setback.

a considerable reverse

Uses "reverse" to highlight the backward movement caused by the setback.

a substantial regression

Focuses on the idea of returning to a previous, less developed state.

a serious hitch

Implies a temporary problem that disrupts progress.

a critical stumbling block

Highlights the potential for the setback to cause a complete stop.

a notable failure

Emphasizes the lack of success in a particular instance.

a heavy blow

Focuses on the damaging and impactful nature of the event.

a tough break

Presents the setback as an unfortunate and undeserved event.

an unfortunate turn of events

Highlights the unexpected and negative nature of the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a large setback" to describe a significant obstacle or difficulty. For example, "The project experienced "a large setback" when the funding was withdrawn."

What are some alternatives to "a large setback"?

Alternatives include "a significant impediment", "a major obstacle", or "a considerable reverse", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a large setback" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in business, academic, or journalistic contexts, where a clear and professional tone is required.

What's the difference between "a large setback" and "a minor setback"?

"A large setback" indicates a significant negative impact on progress, while "a minor setback" suggests a less consequential delay or problem that is easier to overcome.