a minor setback for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minor setback for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small obstacle or difficulty that does not significantly hinder progress or success. Example: "Although we faced a minor setback for our project timeline, we are still on track to meet our overall goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

This is a minor setback for Leftwich.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Salazar's announcement appeared to be only a minor setback for the industry.

The New York Times

It was a rare stumble and, in perspective, a minor setback for the company, which controls Rockefeller Center and operates on four continents.

The New York Times

"Truth be told, we did have a minor setback for a major comeback," Kevin Lee, the Quality Control executive known as Coach K, said.

The New York Times - Arts

Suzanne B. Goldberg, a law professor at Columbia University and an expert on employment discrimination, said Judge Garaufis's rejection of quotas was only a minor setback for the Vulcan Society.

The New York Times

The ruling is a minor setback for Mr. Trump, who turned his surname into a global brand in the 1980's, but more recently has tried to turn the reality show's popular catchphrase into a personal cash cow.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The Olympics was my first international competition and I quickly learned a minor setback is preparation for a major comeback!

Huffington Post

Victories in both team pursuits and the women's team sprint represent the perfect outcome for British Cycling, while fifth place for the men's team sprint is no more than a very minor setback for their Olympic ambitions.

BBC

Since it's early in the trial process, Payne's ruling is a just minor setback for Rambus, and not the wide-ranging defeat investors seem to think it was.

Forbes

Saturday night was a major victory for Cruz symbolically, but in terms of actual delegates, it was a relatively minor setback for Trump.

Huffington Post

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A minor setback turned into something more serious Friday for Andy Pettitte, who was unable to push off the mound at full strength during a 50-pitch simulated outing in Tampa, Fla.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a minor setback for" to downplay a negative event, reassuring the audience that it won't significantly impact overall progress. It's useful in business reports, sports commentary, and personal narratives to maintain a positive outlook.

Common error

Avoid using "a minor setback for" when the event has serious consequences. It can undermine your credibility if the issue is clearly more significant than portrayed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minor setback for" functions as a qualifier, specifically an adjective phrase that modifies a noun (often implied or stated). It indicates a temporary or insignificant impediment to progress or success. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a minor setback for" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase for describing small obstacles without significant impact. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it conveys optimism and resilience, making it suitable for various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase maintains a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure you accurately portray the situation and avoid downplaying genuinely serious issues. Consider alternatives like "a slight impediment to" or "a small hiccup for" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight impediment to

Focuses on the hindering aspect, suggesting a small obstacle.

a small hiccup for

Implies a brief and insignificant disruption.

a temporary hindrance to

Emphasizes the transient nature of the obstacle.

a momentary delay for

Highlights the temporal aspect of the setback.

a passing difficulty for

Suggests the problem is not lasting.

a trivial obstacle for

Underscores the insignificance of the problem.

a negligible hurdle for

Conveys that the issue is easily overcome.

a fleeting challenge to

Highlights the brief and confrontational aspect of the problem.

a short-term inconvenience to

Focuses on the bothersome but temporary nature.

a limited drawback for

Emphasizes the constrained negative impact.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a minor setback for"?

You can use alternatives like "a slight impediment to", "a small hiccup for", or "a temporary hindrance to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to describe a problem as "a minor setback for"?

No, it's important to accurately assess the situation. Using "a minor setback for" can be misleading if the problem is actually significant. Be sure the issue is truly minor before using this phrase.

What kind of tone does "a minor setback for" convey?

The phrase typically conveys a tone of optimism and resilience. It suggests that while there may be a temporary issue, it will not derail the overall goal or progress.

Is "a minor setback for" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "a minor setback for" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing challenges or obstacles in a professional or academic context. However, ensure the situation genuinely warrants such a description.