a minor setback

USAGE SUMMARY

"a minor setback" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a small obstacle or challenge that has been encountered. For example: "The project encountered a minor setback when one of the components was found to be faulty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a minor setback.

The New York Times - Sports

"This is a minor setback," Gardenhire said.

The New York Times - Sports

"This is just a minor setback".

The New York Times - Sports

This is a minor setback for Leftwich.

The New York Times - Sports

"Let's hope it's a minor setback," Coach Dan Reeves said.

The New York Times - Sports

General Manager BRIAN CASHMAN called it a minor setback.

The New York Times - Sports

"He's had a minor setback," Dreaper has said today.

The Guardian - Sport

After the hardship they had endured since January, this was a minor setback.

The New York Times

While the F.B.I. described the problems as a minor setback, Congressional officials said they were alarmed.

The New York Times

Even the bursting of the tech bubble proved only a minor setback.

The New York Times

After a minor setback a few days ago, I lost it for a little while.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a minor setback", ensure the context clearly indicates the scale of the problem. Use it when the issue is genuinely not serious and won't significantly impact the overall goal.

Common error

Avoid using "a minor setback" to describe problems with serious consequences. This can undermine your credibility and mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minor setback" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to an event or situation that temporarily hinders progress but is not considered a major obstacle. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is both correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sport

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

6%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a minor setback" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a small, temporary obstacle. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. Predominantly found in News & Media and Sport contexts, it serves to acknowledge problems while emphasizing their limited impact. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the situation's severity to maintain clarity and credibility. Related phrases like ""a slight hitch"" or ""a small delay"" can provide nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight hitch

Emphasizes a temporary and small impediment.

a small delay

Focuses on the temporal aspect of the setback.

a temporary difficulty

Highlights the transient nature of the problem.

a trivial issue

Downplays the significance of the problem.

a fleeting problem

Indicates the short-lived nature of the issue.

a temporary inconvenience

Focuses on the disruption caused by the setback.

a passing hurdle

Presents the setback as an obstacle to overcome.

a hiccup in the process

Emphasizes the interruption within a larger sequence of events.

a temporary reverse

Focuses on the backward movement in progress.

a glitch

Emphasizes a mechanical or technical issue.

FAQs

What does "a minor setback" mean?

The phrase "a minor setback" refers to a small problem or obstacle that causes a temporary delay or difficulty but does not significantly affect the overall outcome.

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

You can use "a minor setback" to describe a temporary problem. For example: "The project experienced "a minor setback" due to unforeseen circumstances, but we are back on track now."

What are some synonyms for "a minor setback"?

Some synonyms for "a minor setback" include "a slight hitch", "a small delay", or "a temporary difficulty" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a minor setback" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a neutral and widely understood phrase suitable for professional and academic contexts.