a modest setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor or temporary obstacle or difficulty that does not significantly hinder progress. Example: "Despite facing a modest setback in the project timeline, the team remained optimistic and focused on their goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The zone suffered a modest setback in 1910 when the Nevada legislature outlawed gambling.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The apparent about-face by Mr. D'Escoto, whose country has forged an unlikely friendship with Libya, marked a modest setback for the government of Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi.

The New York Times

By this evening, it was unclear whether the day's developments were a modest setback or an indication that a compromise on the budget might never be accomplished.

The New York Times

Greece could run out of money to pay its creditors as early as mid-April.France's National Front came second in departmental elections with 25% of the vote, a modest setback for the party, which had been widely expected to finish first.

The Economist

In my view, the bond market is due for a modest setback — very modest, but enough to make most bond investments eminently postponable.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"This is a minor setback," Gardenhire said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a minor setback.

The New York Times - Sports

Stage fright is only a minor setback.

WikiHow

Do not stress over a minor setback.

WikiHow

Compared with the reality show trope of hapless youth struggling with modest setbacks, it's a refreshing look at how well twentysomethings muck in when livelihoods depend on it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Filtering out the hyperbole surrounding recent proclamations about Iran's tangible progress is always difficult, especially at a time when the country is determined to show that neither the Stuxnet computer worm, which crippled part of its nuclear infrastructure last year, nor Western sanctions have proved to be more than modest setbacks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a modest setback" to downplay negative news or when acknowledging a minor issue without causing alarm. It's suitable for formal reports, presentations, or casual conversation where understatement is preferred.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest setback" when the situation involves significant consequences. Ensure the adjective "modest" accurately reflects the scale of the problem to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest setback" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition to describe an event or situation that has caused a minor impediment. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest setback" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe a minor difficulty or impediment. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct and usable in written English. Its function is to downplay a negative event, and it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts, primarily news and media. While not overly frequent, it is a useful expression for conveying reassurance and minimizing concern. Alternatives include "a slight hitch" or "a minor delay", offering similar meanings with slight variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight hitch

Replaces "setback" with "hitch", implying a temporary and minor problem.

a minor delay

Focuses on the temporal aspect of the setback, suggesting a brief postponement.

a small obstacle

Emphasizes the impediment aspect, portraying it as a manageable challenge.

a temporary difficulty

Highlights the transient and challenging nature of the situation.

a limited regression

Uses "regression" to suggest a step back, while "limited" keeps the impact small.

a moderate impediment

Substitutes "setback" with "impediment", implying a hindrance that is not severe.

a marginal downturn

Suggests a slight decline or dip, keeping the effect relatively small.

a trivial complication

Emphasizes that the setback is a minor issue, not a significant problem.

a not-so-serious hitch

Uses a more informal tone to convey that the setback is not a major concern.

a manageable challenge

Highlights the capability to overcome the setback, framing it as something that can be handled.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest setback" to describe a minor delay or difficulty in a project or plan. For example, "The project experienced "a modest setback" due to unforeseen circumstances, but we are confident in our ability to recover quickly."

What are some alternatives to "a modest setback"?

You can use alternatives like "a minor delay", "a small obstacle", or "a slight hitch" depending on the context.

Is "a modest setback" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "a modest setback" is appropriate for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and widely understood. It conveys a sense of professionalism while acknowledging a minor issue.

What's the difference between "a modest setback" and "a major setback"?

"A modest setback" implies a small, easily recoverable problem, while "a major setback" suggests a significant issue that may have lasting consequences.