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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a setback has materialized
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a setback has materialized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an unexpected problem or difficulty has occurred, often in a project or plan. Example: "Despite our best efforts, a setback has materialized, causing delays in the project timeline."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(16)
a problem has surfaced
a challenge has presented itself
a complication has developed
a snag has developed
an issue has emerged
a difficulty has arisen
an obstacle has appeared
a snag has cropped up
a hitch has materialized
a problem has occurred
a challenge has emerged
an issue has arisen
difficulties have emerged
a problem has emerged
an issue has surfaced
a misfortune has befallen
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
60 human-written examples
A decade later, no monument has materialized.
News & Media
But neither has materialized.
News & Media
Neither project has materialized.
News & Media
"None of it has materialized.
News & Media
No such funding has materialized.
News & Media
Roosevelt's fear has materialized.
News & Media
Little has materialized, however.
News & Media
Neither has materialized, she claims.
News & Media
Neither scenario has materialized.
A second tumor had materialized.
News & Media
A ticket taker had materialized and was now taking tickets.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use the phrase "a setback has materialized" to formally acknowledge the appearance of an obstacle or challenge in project management, strategic planning, or when discussing progress towards a goal. It indicates that an issue has become real and needs addressing.
Common error
Avoid using "a setback has materialized" in informal conversations. Opt for simpler phrases like "we hit a snag" or "there's a problem" to maintain a natural tone.
Source & Trust
78%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a setback has materialized" functions as a declarative statement, indicating that an obstacle or problem has become real or apparent. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, suggesting it's a valid construction for formally acknowledging difficulties.
Frequent in
News & Media
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Science
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Formal & Business
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Less common in
Academia
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Wiki
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Reference
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Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "a setback has materialized" is a grammatically sound phrase used to formally announce the occurrence of an obstacle or difficulty. According to Ludwig AI, it's considered correct and suitable for professional communication. While this phrase has limited examples, its primary function is to inform, and it aligns with a neutral to formal register. Alternatives include phrases such as "a problem has surfaced" or "an obstacle has arisen" for similar but slightly varied nuances. It's best used in contexts where a clear and professional acknowledgment of a problem is required, and it should be avoided in casual conversations.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a problem has surfaced
Focuses on the emergence of a problem, similar to a setback becoming apparent.
an obstacle has arisen
Emphasizes the appearance of an obstacle that hinders progress.
a difficulty has emerged
Highlights the emergence of a challenging situation.
a hurdle has appeared
Presents the setback as a barrier that needs to be overcome.
an issue has come to light
Indicates that a problem has been revealed or made known.
a challenge has presented itself
Emphasizes that a difficult situation has arisen and requires attention.
a complication has developed
Highlights the emergence of a complex or intricate problem.
a glitch has materialized
Focuses on the sudden appearance of a minor malfunction or problem.
an impediment has arisen
Presents the setback as something that obstructs or hinders progress.
a snag has developed
Indicates a minor problem or unexpected difficulty has occurred.
FAQs
How can I use "a setback has materialized" in a sentence?
You can use "a setback has materialized" to formally acknowledge that an unexpected problem has occurred. For example, "Despite our initial projections, "a setback has materialized", delaying the project's completion."
What's a less formal way to say "a setback has materialized"?
Less formal alternatives include "we hit a snag", "there's a problem", or "things didn't go as planned". These options are more suitable for casual conversations.
Which is correct, "a setback has materialized" or "a setback materialized"?
"A setback has materialized" is grammatically correct. "A setback materialized" might sound awkward because it lacks the auxiliary verb "has", which helps to complete the present perfect tense.
Are there situations where I shouldn't use "a setback has materialized"?
Yes, avoid using "a setback has materialized" in very informal or casual settings. It's more appropriate for formal reports, presentations, or serious discussions where you need to convey the presence of a problem in a clear and professional manner.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
78%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested