a setback is expected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a setback is expected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing anticipated challenges or difficulties in a project or situation. Example: "Given the complexity of the project, a setback is expected, but we will adapt our timeline accordingly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He went through a full workout Monday and, barring a setback, is expected to be ready for the game.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Smokin Beau, one of the market leaders for the Longchamp sprint before suffering a minor setback, is expected to be in the line-up.

The Guardian - Sport

OAKLAND — Albert Pujols aggravated the left foot injury that has hobbled him all season on a ninth-inning, two-run single Friday night and returned to Southern California on Saturday to undergo an MRI test and be examined by a doctor, a setback that is expected to send the slugger to the disabled list.

Los Angeles Times

He will see whether that translates to the mound on Monday when, barring a setback, he is expected to start in Cincinnati.

The New York Times - Sports

Knoblauch will play a few more games in the minors and, assuming he does not have any major setbacks, it is expected that he will be activated when the major league rosters expand Sept. 1.

The New York Times - Sports

After a setback during rehabilitation, he is expected to miss the first two months of this season.

The New York Times - Sports

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority said it would conduct tests on the line over the weekend, but barring any setbacks, the railroad is expected to resume normal operations in time for the Monday morning rush.

The New York Times

[Page C2.] Accounting Concerns at Interpublic When the Interpublic Group of Companies announces its third-quarter earnings on Wednesday, Wall Street, already warned twice of financial setbacks and shortfalls, is expected to learn that the company's accounting irregularities are more extensive than had been feared.

The New York Times

WHEN the Interpublic Group of Companies announces its third-quarter earnings on Wednesday, Wall Street -- already warned twice of financial setbacks and shortfalls -- is expected to learn that the advertising giant's accounting irregularities are more extensive than had been feared just four weeks ago.

The New York Times

Strasburg is expected to throw a side session Saturday and will start Tuesday against Florida, barring any setbacks.

The New York Times

The word is expected to be restored after the November school board elections, a significant setback for creationists.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When managing projects or planning for the future, using the phrase "a setback is expected" can help set realistic expectations and encourage proactive problem-solving.

Common error

While "a setback is expected" is a useful phrase, avoid overusing it in a single document or conversation. Vary your language by using synonyms like "difficulties are foreseen" or "challenges are anticipated" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a setback is expected" functions as a statement predicting a potential problem or challenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound and suitable for use in written English. Ludwig also provides similar and related phrases with which to replace the search query.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a setback is expected" is used to convey an anticipation of potential problems or difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically sound and usable in written English. While infrequent, its primary function is to manage expectations and promote proactive planning. Alternative phrases like "difficulties are foreseen" or "challenges are anticipated" can be used for variety or to adjust the level of formality. The phrase is commonly found in news and media sources, as well as scientific contexts. When using this phrase, consider the audience and choose synonyms accordingly to maintain clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

setbacks are anticipated

Pluralizes "setback" and uses "anticipated" for a slightly more formal tone.

difficulties are foreseen

Replaces "setback" with "difficulties" and "expected" with "foreseen", creating a more formal tone.

challenges are anticipated

Substitutes "setback" with "challenges", emphasizing the nature of the problem.

reverses are anticipated

Replaces "setback" with "reverses", indicating a change in direction.

delays are anticipated

Focuses specifically on delays as the expected setback.

obstructions are foreseen

Replaces "setback" with "obstructions", highlighting the impeding nature.

complications may arise

Indicates a possibility of problems occurring.

hiccups are likely

Uses a more informal term, "hiccups", to suggest minor setbacks.

snags are possible

Uses "snags" to denote unexpected problems or obstacles.

mishaps are predictable

Replaces "setback" with "mishaps", implying minor accidents or errors.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a setback is expected" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "difficulties are foreseen" or "challenges are anticipated".

What's a less formal way to say "a setback is expected"?

Informal alternatives include "hiccups are likely" or "snags are possible" if you want to downplay the severity of the potential problem.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "a setback is expected"?

This phrase is suitable when planning projects, discussing potential challenges, or setting expectations in any context where difficulties are reasonably foreseeable.

Is there a difference between "a setback is expected" and "setbacks are expected"?

"A setback is expected" refers to a singular, general issue. "Setbacks are expected" implies that multiple challenges or delays are likely.