a large setback for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a large setback for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant obstacle or hindrance faced by an individual, group, or organization in achieving their goals. Example: "The unexpected loss of funding was a large setback for the research project, delaying its progress by several months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

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

58 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

Well, folks, a big setback for NASA.

The New York Times

December's airport bombing was a big setback for him.

The Economist

Thats a big setback for Microsoft.

Forbes

"It is a big setback for us.

BBC

That really was a big setback for me.

Science Magazine

A big setback for India's Narendra Modi.

Los Angeles Times

Residents in oil- and gas-rich Colorado defeated a measure that would have required much larger setbacks for drilling sites on nonfederal land.

The Washington Post

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

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a large setback for" when emphasizing a substantial negative impact. Consider the context to ensure the gravity of the phrase aligns with the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a large setback for" when the situation is only a minor inconvenience. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a large setback for" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a significant impediment or negative event affecting someone or something. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English and serves to highlight a notable obstacle.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a large setback for" is a phrase used to describe a significant obstacle or hindrance. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While its frequency is relatively rare, the contexts it appears in—primarily news and scientific sources—indicate its suitability for formal and analytical writing. When using this phrase, ensure the described situation genuinely represents a substantial negative impact to maintain credibility. Consider alternatives such as "a significant disadvantage for" or "a major impediment to" for nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant disadvantage for

Emphasizes the hindering aspect with a stronger sense of negative impact.

a major impediment to

Highlights the obstructive nature, suggesting a considerable barrier.

a considerable drawback for

Focuses on the negative aspect as a disadvantage rather than a complete stop.

a notable obstacle for

Stresses the challenging nature of the situation created by the setback.

a serious hurdle for

Highlights the challenge that needs to be overcome.

a negative impact on

Focuses on the adverse effect rather than the concept of obstruction.

a reverse for

Implies a change in direction or progress in an unfavorable way.

a hindrance to

Highlights the impeding quality of the situation.

a blow to

Suggests a sudden and impactful negative event.

a setback to

Omits the adjective 'large', lessening the degree of impact.

FAQs

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

Use "a large setback for" to describe a significant obstacle or reversal in progress. For example, "The budget cuts were "a large setback for" the research team."

What are some alternatives to "a large setback for"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant disadvantage for", "a major impediment to", or "a considerable drawback for" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a large setback for" is suitable for formal writing when describing a substantial negative impact. Consider alternatives if a more nuanced tone is desired.

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

"A large setback for" indicates a significant negative impact, while "a minor setback for" describes a small, less consequential issue. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the situation's severity.