a real setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a real setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant obstacle or hindrance that has negatively impacted progress or success. Example: "The unexpected loss of funding was a real setback for the project, delaying our timeline significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Sports

Business

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

For European arms manufacturers, it's a real setback".

The New York Times

It's a real setback, and it's really disappointing".

The New York Times - Sports

"But it's usually a response to something real, a real setback.

The New York Times - Magazine

"This is a real setback," Andrew Albert, a member of the authority's board, said.

The New York Times

"Losing Edson was a tremendous blow — it was a real setback for Merrill".

The New York Times

If he wins, it would certainly be a real setback for Serbia.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"This is a great disappointment and a very real setback," said D. A. Henderson, the former director of the Department of Health and Human Services office that helped create the BioShield program.

The New York Times

The British journalist and TV presenter, once the editor of the Daily Mirror, has lived in the US for years, where "I see it all the time," he says, "people who refuse to accept, or talk about, or deal with any real setbacks in their lives.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Along with the rest of the country, Surrey, a county to the southwest of London, suffered a real estate setback in 2008, after years of steady price increases.

The New York Times

"If you have to push it back a couple days, you push it back because the last thing you want is a real big setback," Manager Joe Girardi said.

The New York Times - Sports

It was the last real setback for the BJP, which has since stormed to victory in a string of state polls and the general election.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a real setback", ensure the context clearly defines what progress or goal is being hindered. This provides clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a real setback" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations that genuinely impede significant progress or have lasting negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a real setback" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a complement to a verb (e.g., is, was, constitutes). It describes a specific event, situation, or occurrence that has a negative impact and hinders progress, as Ludwig indicates.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a real setback" is a common and correct phrase used to describe a significant hindrance or obstacle. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability across various contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to reserve it for situations that genuinely impede progress, as highlighted in the writing guidance. Consider alternatives like "a significant impediment" or "a major obstacle" depending on the level of formality required. Understanding its nuances ensures effective communication in both writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major obstacle

Substitutes "setback" with "obstacle", highlighting the difficulty in overcoming the situation. It is less formal.

a significant impediment

Replaces "setback" with "impediment", emphasizing the hindering aspect. It's a formal alternative.

a serious blow

Replaces "setback" with "blow", highlighting the negative impact and shock associated with the situation. This option is less formal.

a considerable drawback

Emphasizes the disadvantageous nature of the situation, using the word "drawback" instead of "setback". This option is neutral.

a true reversal

Focuses on the change in direction or progress, using "reversal" instead of "setback". This option is more formal.

a major stumbling block

Replaces "setback" with "stumbling block", emphasizing something that prevents progress. This option is less formal.

a genuine regression

Replaces "real setback" with "genuine regression", suggesting a step backward from a previous state. This option is more formal.

a significant disappointment

Emphasizes the feeling of letdown and unfulfilled expectations. This option is neutral.

a substantial hitch

Uses "hitch" to indicate a temporary problem or obstacle causing delay. This option is less formal.

a regrettable development

Highlights the unfortunate nature of the situation, using "development" to indicate an event. This option is more formal.

FAQs

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

You can use "a real setback" to describe an event or situation that significantly hinders progress. For instance, "The project experienced "a real setback" when the main investor pulled out".

What's a more formal way to say "a real setback"?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "a significant impediment" or "a genuine regression", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a real setback" interchangeable with "a minor inconvenience"?

No, "a real setback" is not interchangeable with "a minor inconvenience". "A real setback" implies a significant negative impact, while "a minor inconvenience" suggests something that is only slightly bothersome. They differ vastly in scale and consequence.

What are some other phrases similar to "a real setback"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "a major obstacle", "a serious blow", or "a considerable drawback", each emphasizing different aspects of the negative situation.